Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi is set to be honoured with the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Excellence Gold Medal for his “principled and courageous stance” during the Asia Cup trophy controversy, organisers announced on Friday.
The Trophy Controversy
Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, made headlines during the Asia Cup final post-match ceremony when Indian players declined to receive the trophy from him — an act seen by many as a political snub amid worsening Indo-Pak ties.
In response, Naqvi refused to hand over the trophy, later stating that the Indian team could collect it from ACC headquarters “if they truly want it.” He further asserted on social media:
“I did nothing wrong, and I did not — and will not — apologise to the BCCI.”
The stance won him widespread praise across Pakistan’s political and sporting circles, with supporters calling it an act of “national dignity and defiance.”
Civil Honour for Defiance
According to Advocate Ghulam Abbas Jamal, President of the Sindh and Karachi Basketball Associations, Naqvi’s refusal had “restored national pride” at a critical time.
A formal ceremony is planned in Karachi, with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari invited as the chief guest. A special committee headed by Sindh Basketball Association Chairman Khalid Jameel Shamsi will oversee arrangements, while Commissioner Karachi’s Director of Sports Ghulam Muhammad Khan has been named secretary of the organising body.
Symbolism Beyond Cricket
“This is not just about cricket,” Jamal said. “This is about dignity, sovereignty, and the refusal to bend under pressure.”
The decision to award Naqvi the gold medal is seen as both a symbolic gesture of defiance against India and a pointed political message.
Diplomatic Fallout
The Asia Cup final was overshadowed by political undertones, with India enforcing a strict “no handshake” protocol with Pakistani players. While India eventually won the tournament, the trophy row quickly escalated into a diplomatic talking point.
The BCCI has formally raised the issue at the ACC’s annual meeting and is expected to escalate the matter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) during its November session.
The controversy comes amid heightened hostilities between the two nations following the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 Indian tourists and was blamed on Pakistan-based militants. India responded with “Operation Sindoor”, targeting alleged terror camps across the border
