Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Saga: Harbhajan Singh Calls Mohsin Naqvi 'Not Big Enough' Amid Controversy
The Asia Cup 2025 cricket tournament concluded with high drama beyond the pitch as a dispute erupted over the trophy presentation. Mohsin Naqvi, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan's Interior Minister, became the center of controversy after refusing to hand over the Asia Cup trophy to the Indian cricket team.
The Incident
The conflict arose during the trophy presentation ceremony when the Indian team, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Naqvi. The reason for their boycott was political: India's refusal was due to Naqvi's dual role as Pakistan's Interior Minister and ACC chairman, representing a country that India accuses of "openly waging war" against it.
Feeling snubbed, Naqvi took the trophy back to his hotel rather than awarding it to the Indian team on the spot. Subsequently, in a meeting of the ACC, he further escalated tensions by refusing to release the trophy, stating India can collect it only from the ACC office in Dubai.
Harbhajan Singh's Response
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh responded firmly to the situation, playing down Mohsin Naqvi's threats and influence. Harbhajan emphasized that the trophy’s rightful place is with the Indian team, which triumphed in the tournament by defeating Pakistan three times, including in the final match.
He expressed skepticism about Naqvi’s ability to prevent India from ultimately receiving the trophy, stating:
"I don't think Naqvi or anyone else is big enough to decide whether the trophy should be awarded or not. If not today, then tomorrow the trophy will be given, so what’s the point of keeping it aside? We have won it, and the trophy will come to us one day or another."
Harbhajan also reflected on the wider context of the controversy, noting that the bigger issue was whether the matches should have been played under strained political circumstances at all.
What’s Next for the Asia Cup Trophy?
The ACC is reportedly planning to hold another meeting comprising just the Test-playing nations: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. This meeting is expected to deliberate and decide the final course of action regarding the trophy’s fate.
In the meantime, the trophy remains with Naqvi, but the cricket world widely expects it to eventually be handed over to India, honoring their victory in the 2025 Asia Cup.
This episode highlights the complex interplay of sports and politics in South Asian cricket, where diplomatic tensions often spill over into the game. Despite the controversy, the Indian cricket team's performance has been the clear highlight, with their Asia Cup win marking a significant achievement.