A controversial moment in cricket history unfolded as Pakistan A lifted the Asia Cup Rising Stars trophy for the third time, but the real drama centered around the man who presented it. Mohsin Naqvi, the Asian Cricket Council chief, had previously denied India the Asia Cup trophy after their victory over Pakistan, and now he was back in the spotlight.
On November 23, 2025, Irfan Khan Niazi's Pakistan A team emerged victorious in a nail-biting final against Bangladesh A at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha. The match, which went down to the wire, saw Pakistan A clinch the title in a Super Over, becoming the first team to win the Rising Stars Asia Cup thrice.
But here's where it gets controversial... Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), was the one to present the trophy to the winning captain. This was a highly anticipated moment, given his previous refusal to hand over the Asia Cup trophy to India earlier in the year. Despite India's request for an alternative presenter, Naqvi insisted on taking center stage.
The Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, declined to accept the trophy from Naqvi, resulting in an abrupt halt to the presentation ceremony. The trophy was even removed from the field, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Naqvi later stated that Yadav should personally collect the trophy from the ACC office in Dubai, a stance that sparked heated debates among cricket fans and analysts alike.
And this is the part most people miss... The match itself was a thriller! Pakistan's batting line-up, after a shaky start, found their footing through the efforts of Maaz Sadaqat and Arafat Minhas. But it was Saad Masood's counterattacking knock of 38 off 26 balls that truly turned the tide, propelling Pakistan to a competitive total. Late contributions from Shahid Aziz and Sufiyan Muqeem further bolstered their score.
Bangladesh's reply started strongly, but Sufiyan Muqeem's exceptional bowling and Arafat Minhas' double strike reduced them to a precarious position. A late surge from Rakibul Hasan and a stunning 19-run over from Saqlain and Mondal gave Bangladesh a glimmer of hope, but it was Ahmed Daniyal who sealed the deal for Pakistan in the Super Over.
In the end, it was Pakistan A's calm pursuit of the target, led by Saad Masood's boundary at fine leg, that secured them the dramatic title win. The Shaheens celebrated their victory, but the real controversy lay in the hands of Mohsin Naqvi, who once again found himself at the center of a cricket storm.
So, what do you think? Was Naqvi's decision to present the trophy justified, or did it cross a line? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
