Modi Naqvi Clash Raises Tensions Beyond Cricket Field
Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi criticised India for dragging war into sport after Prime Minister Narendra Modi politicised the Asia Cup final.
Modi congratulated his team by linking the victory with Operation Sindoor, a reference to military conflict earlier this year between the two countries.
Naqvi responded that history already records India defeats at Pakistan hands, stressing that no cricket match could change truths written by past wars.
He added that war references in sport expose desperation and diminish the spirit of cricket, which is supposed to unite people across borders.
The controversy deepened when Indian players refused to collect their trophy from Naqvi, marking one of the lowest moments in cricketing relations.
Commentator Simon Doull confirmed during the post-match ceremony that the team had declined to receive awards, breaking with longstanding cricketing traditions.
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Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board announced that the team will donate match fees to victims of the May 7 Indian attack on civilians.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha accused India of disrespecting cricket by avoiding post-match handshakes and ignoring formalities usually followed after international tournaments.
He said good teams uphold sportsmanship by accepting medals, while India actions were disappointing and harmful for the future of international cricket relations.
Indian batsman SuryaKumar Yadav defended the decision, claiming players and staff were the real trophies, dismissing the need for collecting the official award.
The Asia Cup marked the first matches between India and Pakistan since a brief but intense military escalation erupted earlier this year in May.
That conflict included Indian airstrikes in Pakistan after the Pehalgam attack in occupied Kashmir, which killed dozens and pushed both neighbours close to war.
