NEW DELHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi came under intense criticism and ridicule on social media after Pakistan’s third straight defeat to India in the Asia Cup, with calls mounting for his immediate removal. Pakistan lost to India in Sunday’s final, and the post-match presentation descended into chaos when the Indian players refused to accept the winner’s trophy from Naqvi, who also serves as the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).As Naqvi waited on one side of the stage for the ceremony to begin, the Indian team stood about 15 yards away, refusing to move. The delay continued for several minutes, and when Naqvi eventually stepped onto the stage, Indian fans inside the stadium booed loudly, chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” Officials then informed Naqvi that the Indian team would not accept the trophy from him.With the Indian players refusing to take the trophy, the ceremony concluded without the presentation. Naqvi left the dais with the trophy and winners’ medals still in his possession. The Indian team later celebrated by pretending to hold an invisible trophy, while Suryakumar Yadav announced in the post-match press conference that he would donate his Asia Cup match fees to the Indian armed forces.“This ‘selected’ Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, if he has any guts, should take notice against Mohsin Naqvi, who has destroyed Pakistan cricket in such a short time,” senior Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leader Moonis Elahi wrote on X. “This shameless man feels no remorse, but those who installed him should reflect. He must be removed immediately.”Former Sindh governor Mohammad Zubair also criticized Naqvi, alleging that he dropped Pakistan’s top players, contributing to the team’s three consecutive defeats against India. “Pakistan’s best batsman Babar Azam was dropped by this man. He also dropped Pakistan’s best wicketkeeper batsman Rizwan, selecting instead players like Salman Agha and Harris. He destroyed our batting,” Zubair said.Jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan drew a political comparison, stating: “What Mohsin Naqvi is doing to cricket is exactly what Army Chief Gen Asim Munir is doing to Pakistan.”Other critics accused Naqvi of sidelining genuine talent. “He held a grudge against Amir Jamal for his #804 gesture (Imran Khan’s jail cell number) and sidelined him permanently. What a pity,” activist Sana tweeted.Journalist Umar Draz Gondal said whether the Indian captain refused to shake hands or take the trophy from Naqvi, “the only answer is to defeat India in the stadium and shut their mouths.” He added: “Cricket in Pakistan has already declined, just like hockey. Why? Because Naqvi was appointed through a slip from the ‘big boss’ and became chairman only because he is their blue-eyed. No one can hold him accountable.”
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