Mohsin Naqvi Gold Medal Pakistan: PCB Chief to Be Honored After Asia Cup Trophy Controversy: Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is set to receive the prestigious Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Excellence Gold Medal following the Asia Cup 2025 trophy controversy. The announcement has intensified debate across South Asia, transforming a cricket ceremony into a diplomatic flashpoint with lasting implications for India-Pakistan relations.
Why Is Mohsin Naqvi Receiving a Gold Medal in Pakistan?
Mohsin Naqvi is being honored for his “principled and courageous stance” during the Asia Cup 2025 final trophy presentation ceremony in Dubai. Advocate Ghulam Abbas Jamal, President of the Sindh and Karachi Basketball Associations, announced that Naqvi’s actions restored “national pride” during heightened Indo-Pak tensions. The recognition reflects Pakistan’s view that Naqvi defended national sovereignty when Indian players refused to accept the trophy from him.
What Happened at the Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Ceremony?
During the post-match ceremony on September 28, 2025, the Indian cricket team declined to receive the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who serves as both PCB chief and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President. India won the tournament but refused the trophy presentation, widely interpreted as a political statement amid strained bilateral relations. Naqvi retained the trophy and later stated on social media that he “did nothing wrong” and would not apologize to the BCCI.
Political Backdrop Behind the Trophy Row
The Asia Cup 2025 was marked by political tensions, including India enforcing a strict “no handshake” protocol with Pakistani players. The controversy unfolded against deteriorating India-Pakistan relations following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 Indian lives and was attributed to Pakistan-based militants. India subsequently conducted military strikes under “Operation Sindoor,” targeting alleged militant camps.
When and Where Will the Gold Medal Ceremony Take Place?
A formal award ceremony is being planned in Karachi to present the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Excellence Gold Medal to Mohsin Naqvi. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has been invited as chief guest, with the date depending on his availability. A special committee led by Sindh Basketball Association Chairman Khalid Jameel Shamsi has been formed to oversee the October 2025 event.
How Has the BCCI Responded to the Trophy Controversy?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) formally raised complaints at the ACC’s annual meeting and plans to escalate the issue to the International Cricket Council (ICC) during its November 2025 session. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia criticized Naqvi’s conduct as “unethical,” stating the trophy is not his “personal belonging”. The Asian Cricket Council expressed regret over the trophy fiasco, acknowledging institutional strain.
What Are Cricket Experts Saying About the Mohsin Naqvi Gold Medal?
Former Pakistani cricketers have backed Naqvi’s position, with Mohammad Yousuf defending the PCB chief and criticizing India’s response as being stuck in a “filmy duniya” (film world). International figures like AB de Villiers expressed divided opinions, questioning both sides’ handling of the situation. The gold medal decision has polarized opinions, with supporters viewing it as appropriate recognition and critics seeing it as escalating an avoidable confrontation.
Will This Affect Future India-Pakistan Cricket Matches?
The trophy row and subsequent gold medal announcement signal deeper challenges for India-Pakistan cricket relations. The BCCI’s strong stance suggests lasting implications for Asia Cup governance and future bilateral fixtures. Cricket administrators now face pressure to establish clearer protocols for trophy presentations and diplomatic conduct at international tournaments involving politically sensitive matchups.
Key Timeline of Events
September 28, 2025: Asia Cup final; India wins but refuses trophy from Mohsin Naqvi. (Iindiatoday)
September 30, 2025: BCCI lodges formal complaint at ACC meeting. (sports.ndtv)
October 1, 2025: Naqvi states he will not apologize, sets conditions for trophy handover. (Hindustantimes)
October 3, 2025: Gold medal announcement made public.
November 2025: Expected ICC review of the controversy.
Disclaimer: This article presents factual information from verified news sources about ongoing developments as of October 4, 2025. Details are subject to change as official statements are released. Content reflects reported events and does not represent editorial opinion. (Timesofindia.indiatimes)
