Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has stated that India must come to Dubai to receive the T20 Asia Cup 2005 trophy from him if they wish to claim it. The trophy has been at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) office in Dubai since India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, declined to accept it from Naqvi during the presentation ceremony after defeating Pakistan in the Asia Cup final. Naqvi, as the president of the ACC, believes he is entitled to present the trophy.
Naqvi mentioned that Pakistan will address the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the behavior of Indian Under-19 players during the Junior Asia Cup final. He expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct and stated that there will be no compromise with India. Naqvi emphasized that if India refuses to shake hands with Pakistani players, the situation will be handled on equal terms without any concessions.
The controversy surrounding the lack of handshakes between Indian and Pakistani players has marred recent cricket events. The tension escalated after a military conflict between India and Pakistan in May, following a militant attack in J&K. Sarfaraz Ahmed, Pakistan’s team mentor, criticized the behavior of Indian Junior players as “uneducated and unacceptable.” Despite these issues, Pakistan emerged victorious in the final by a significant 191-run margin.
Naqvi also revealed that former legendary paceman Wasim Akram will serve as the brand ambassador for the Pakistan Super League. Additionally, he announced that the Multan Sultans franchise will be managed internally by PCB until a new owner is secured, following the departure of Ali Tareen from the franchise.
