Asia Cup 2025 Controversies Continue Beyond the Final
New Delhi: The Asia Cup 2025 concluded with Team India achieving a decisive victory against Pakistan in the final. However, the tournament has been overshadowed by controversies that persisted even after the final match.
Team India notably declined to accept the trophy from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief, Mohsin Naqvi. As a result, Naqvi left the scene with the trophy, which raised significant discussion during the ACC meeting held in Dubai on September 30, where representatives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sought the trophy.
Amid this ongoing situation, former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi called for Mohsin Naqvi to choose between his roles in the PCB and in politics. Afridi emphasized that both positions demand complete attention and that it is unfeasible for Naqvi to manage both simultaneously.
“My request or advice to Naqvi Saheb is that these are two very important posts, and they are big jobs that need time. The PCB is completely different from the Interior Ministry, so it should be treated separately. A significant decision regarding this needs to be made promptly. Pakistan cricket requires dedicated focus, and Naqvi cannot solely depend on advisers,” Afridi remarked in an interview with Telecom Asia Sport.
Additionally, Afridi supported the notion that Naqvi should appoint competent advisors. He reiterated that Naqvi has stated his limited knowledge of cricket and should seek individuals with expertise in the sport to enhance the outcomes for Pakistan cricket.
“These advisers are not providing the necessary guidance, and he has admitted that he doesn’t know much about cricket. He needs to surround himself with qualified advisors who understand the game,” Afridi added, referencing Naqvi’s earlier statements on the matter.
