Karachi: In an unprecedented twist following the Asia Cup final, Pakistani officials have announced that Mohsin Naqvi, Asian Cricket Council President and Pakistan’s Interior Minister, may be awarded the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Excellence Award for his controversial decision not to hand over the trophy to the victorious Indian cricket team. The announcement has sparked heated debates across the cricketing world and social media platforms.
According to reports, the decision to honor Naqvi comes from Sindh and Karachi Basketball Associate Advocate Ghulam Abbas Jamal, who described the move as a matter of national pride. The medal presentation is slated for a special ceremony in Karachi, with Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari invited as the chief guest.
The controversy erupted immediately after India clinched the Asia Cup title. Sources reveal that Mohsin Naqvi, also serving as Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, refused to award the Indian players with the trophy or medals. Eyewitness accounts suggest that Naqvi hurriedly retreated to his room with the trophy, leaving Indian players to celebrate their hard-earned victory without the customary honors.
Indian cricket officials expressed strong disapproval of the incident. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia remarked, “What transpired was completely inappropriate and against the spirit of the game.” The Indian team, while celebrating their win on the field, chose not to engage in any formal trophy presentation, signaling their protest against the perceived affront.
Sports analysts and fans alike have criticized the move, framing it as a diplomatic misstep that overshadowed India’s triumph. Social media has been flooded with debates over sportsmanship, national pride, and the ethics of awarding a medal for what many consider an unsportsmanlike act.
Despite the backlash, organizers in Pakistan remain steadfast in their decision, framing Naqvi’s actions as a symbolic gesture reflecting national sentiment. The upcoming award ceremony in Karachi is expected to draw significant attention, highlighting the intersection of politics, cricket, and public perception in South Asia.
As the Asia Cup controversy continues to make headlines, the incident has reignited discussions on the role of politics in sports and the responsibilities of administrators to uphold the spirit of fair play.