Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Yousuf has come out in support of Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi after the Indian women’s cricket team did not receive the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 trophy from him.
Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, was at the centre of attention after the Indian team declined to collect the trophy from him following their victory. A similar incident occurred during the 2025 Asia Cup, when the Indian men’s team also refused to receive the trophy from Naqvi.
Yousuf reacted to the latest incident on social media, criticising what he described as a lack of humility.
“When national pride turns into arrogance, victory brings no reward. A team may win, but a nation without humility remains a loser! No trophy, only heels on heads. #WellDone #MohsinNaqvi,” Yousuf wrote on X.
Social Media Users React to Yousuf’s Post
Yousuf’s remarks triggered criticism from several social media users. Some users questioned his comments by referring to his tenure with Pakistan cricket, while others challenged his interpretation of the trophy presentation incident.
One user criticised Yousuf’s record as a former Pakistan coach and player, while another accused the Pakistan Cricket Board of using the ACC presidency to influence the trophy presentation. These comments were made by individual social media users and do not represent independently verified findings.
Another user questioned Yousuf’s statement with a sarcastic remark, while further criticism focused on the circumstances surrounding the trophy snub.
BCCI Calls Trophy Decision ‘Conscious, Institutional’
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said the Indian women’s team’s decision not to participate in the trophy presentation with Naqvi was a deliberate institutional decision.
India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final in Dubai but did not collect the trophy from Naqvi. The decision followed the precedent set by the Indian men’s team during the 2025 Asia Cup.
Speaking to PTI, Saikia said the BCCI had communicated its position to the ACC in advance.
“We had taken a conscious decision considering all prevailing aspects, and our position had been communicated to the ACC in advance, that the Indian team would not participate in the trophy presentation under the circumstances,” Saikia said.
He added that the decision was based on the prevailing circumstances and sentiments in India.
“Given the circumstances and the sentiments prevailing in the country, the BCCI felt that it would not be appropriate for the team to receive the trophy in the proposed manner,” he said.
Saikia further clarified that the decision was not aimed at the players, the tournament or cricket itself.
“This was a firm institutional decision, reflective of the position we have maintained, and was not directed at the players, the tournament or the sport,” he added.
India-Pakistan Tensions Continue to Affect Cricket
The trophy presentation controversy comes amid strained relations between India and Pakistan. The two countries experienced a brief military confrontation in May 2025 following a terror attack in Pahalgam in April that killed 26 people.
The political tensions have continued to influence sporting interactions between the two nations, including ceremonial events at major cricket tournaments.
