'He’s not big enough to decide': Former India star slams Mohsin Naqvi over Asia Cup trophy row

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has lashed out at Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi for withholding the Asia Cup trophy after India’s victory. Controversy erupted following the conclusion of the eight-team tournament on September 28, when India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the final at the Dubai International Stadium.

Tensions rose during the post-match ceremony as India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi. The presentation was delayed for nearly an hour as a standoff ensued, but Naqvi remained firm in his stance, leading to the event being abruptly called off. While Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Kuldeep Yadav collected their individual awards, India were not handed the championship trophy.

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Naqvi was later seen leaving the venue with the trophy, which is now reportedly at the ACC headquarters. Although Naqvi has expressed his intention to eventually present it to India, Harbhajan was unimpressed by the situation.

In a recent interaction, Harbhajan said, “A lot happened during the Asia Cup. Even before the handshake controversy, the real question was whether the matches should have happened at all. India won the tournament — that’s their true prize. 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 reach India. We’ve earned it, and it’s only a matter of time.”