The Multan Sultans’ owner, Ali Khan Tareen, has responded to the legal notice he has been sent by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). They have accused Tareen of violating several rules in their 10-year contract, as the PSL team ownership will expire next December, which marks the end of the event’s first decade.

Multan Sultans, one of the successful franchises of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), have revealed that the board threatened to backlist their owners. They also asked them to apologize publicly for criticizing the management of the league. Tareen raised his voice in his criticism of the management over the past year, particularly regarding communication issues.  

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“The PCB last month sent a legal notice to Multan Sultans, demanding that our owner, Ali Tareen, retract all recent critical statements and issue a public apology to the PSL management. The notice threatens termination of our franchise agreement and a lifetime blacklist of Mr. Tareen from owning any cricket team in the future.” Multan Sultan sent a statement.

Watch: Ali Khan Tareen laughs at Mohsin Naqvi’s PCB to tear their legal notice

In a video posted by Tareen on his ‘X’ account (formerly known as Twitter), he summarized the demands of the board before blaming the board’s approach to handling the disagreements. He accused the PSL officials of being surrounded by yes-men on every occasion and not willing to accept the criticism. He stressed that the league belongs to the fans and all of Pakistan.

The PSL Management has sent me a notice threatening to cancel Multan Sultans unless I offer them a public apology. Hazir Saeen. pic.twitter.com/yHWCcClXaD

— Ali Khan Tareen (@aliktareen) October 23, 2025

While Tareen’s legal advisors suggested against the apology, he went forward mocking the league for the sake of improving the franchise event. He reiterated his criticisms from the past regarding the unprofessional conduct and the frustration of the mismanagement. He also sarcastically lauded the lip syncing of the performers.

Tareen continued in the same tone and apologized for being 10 minutes late for a Zoom meeting, pointing out the flaws of the tournament logistically. He made a dramatic ending to the video by tearing up the legal notice, with a smirk of ‘I hope you like my apology video.”

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to get its Asia Cup 2025 trophy after winning the final against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, thanks to Tilak Varma’s fine unbeaten half-century. But the Suryakumar Yadav-led side decided not to accept the trophy from the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi. 

A new clip from Pakistan is going viral around the social media platforms, which shows Mohsin Naqvi, the Asia Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan’s interior Minister, being glorified as a ‘hero’ for his handling of the Asia Cup 2025 trophy situation.

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“Jab ye ground mein khade the aur Indian team trophy nahi le rahi thi, inhone sabr ka muzahira kiya. Khade rahe, khade rahe. Wo chahte the ye agar hat jayenge to hum kisi aur se le lenge. Lekin unko nahi pata tha ke hamara chairman wajir-e-dakhla bhi hai. Unhone team ko baad mein dehshat gardon ki tarah handle kiya, trophy gaadi mein rakh ke saath le aaye. Ab poora India trophy ke peeche bhag raha hai.” The unnamed person on the stage said.

Watch: Mohsin Naqvi’s audacity on Asia Cup 2025 trophy goes viral

In simple terms, the clip suggests that everyone in Pakistan has praised Naqvi for standing firm on his decision not to hand over the trophy if India refuses to take it from them. The Blue Brigade, meanwhile, refused to collect their trophy and medals. The Pakistani media has portrayed the moment of Naqvi stealing the trophy as a moment of bravery and national pride.

 

 

 

 

 

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Now weeks later, Pakistan’s media has glorified that same act. The winning side deserved to lift the title on the field and was robbed of the moment only because of Naqvi’s act. It was nothing more than arrogance and political posturing as he turned the cricketing win into his ego.

The Salman Ali Agha-led side was bundled out for 146 runs in 19.1 overs in Dubai in the first innings. India lost three wickets quickly in the chase before Tilak’s undefeated knock of 69 runs in 53 balls contributed to their victory by five wickets to lift the title.

The Asia Cup 2025 trophy controversy is still escalating, weeks after Team India defeated Pakistan in the tournament final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 28.

This cricketing dispute shows no sign of resolution, particularly concerning the trophy presentation ceremony. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and the team famously refused to receive the Asia Cup silverware from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, who subsequently removed the winners' trophy from the stadium.

A significant governance standoff has erupted between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The immediate trigger is Naqvi's insistence on personally presenting the Asia Cup 2025 title to the Indian cricket team in Dubai on November 10, a date which coincides with the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting.

The BCCI is reportedly preparing to escalate the unresolved trophy fiasco to the ICC, maintaining that the presentation should follow established cricket protocol.

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“If you want the trophy, we can hold a ceremony where you can receive it. The ACC trophy rightly belongs to the Indian cricket team and is being held in trust until such time that the BCCI office holder, along with any available participating player, can collect it from the ACC president.” Naqvi’s decision has been addressed by Geo News.  

Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Handover: Mohsin Naqvi Confirms Date for BCCI & India

The controversy unfolded on the same evening of the final, where the men’s cricket team declined to collect their winners’ medals and trophy following their triumph in the final at the Dubai stadium on September 29. In the post-match presentation, the ceremony was delayed by an hour before a few players took their individual awards.

“Such a collection would, of course, be accompanied with much fanfare and coverage, as there should be no deviation from the established practices and no precedent should be set that undermines the spirit of the game we all love.” The news report addressed.

Kuldeep Yadav was later honored as the tournament’s top wicket-taker, while the opening batter of the Blue Brigade, Abhishek Sharma, earned the Player of the Tournament title for amassing 314 runs in seven innings at an average of 44.85. “I have been informed by the ACC that the Indian cricket team won’t be collecting their awards tonight.” Presenter, Simon Doull, concluded the ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why did the Asia Cup 2025 final presentation ceremony face controversy?

The Indian team refused to accept the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi (who is also the PCB Chairman and a Pakistani minister) due to diplomatic tensions and his social media posts.

Who won the Asia Cup 2025 final and what was the result?

India won the final against Pakistan by 5 wickets. Pakistan was bowled out for 146, and India chased the target with 2 balls remaining (150/5).

Who was named Player of the Tournament?

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma was named the Player of the Tournament for his consistent run-scoring (314 runs).

Who was the Player of the Match in the Final?

India's Tilak Varma was the Player of the Match for his unbeaten 69 runs.

Where is the Asia Cup 2025 winner's trophy now?

The trophy is currently with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in Dubai. ACC President Mohsin Naqvi has refused to send it, insisting a BCCI representative must collect it from him in person.

The controversy over the Asia Cup trophy continues to stir tension between cricket boards. Despite India’s victory, the trophy has not yet been officially handed over to the champions.

Reports suggest that Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has refused to release the trophy to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The BCCI recently submitted a formal request to receive the trophy, which was backed by both the Afghanistan and Sri Lanka cricket boards. However, Naqvi’s reluctance has prolonged the issue, leaving the matter unresolved. The situation has sparked discussions about administrative conflicts and politics within the ACC.

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BCCI to Take Further Action Against Mohsin Naqvi:

The deadlock persists as Mohsin Naqvi maintains that a BCCI representative must personally collect the Asia Cup trophy from the ACC headquarters in Dubai. However, the BCCI has declined this condition and intends to raise the matter during the next ICC meeting to seek a formal resolution to the ongoing dispute.

A source from ACC told PTI said, “The BCCI secretary, BCCI's ACC representative Rajeev Shukla and representatives of other member boards including Sri Lanka Cricket and Afghanistan had written to the ACC president last week over handing the trophy to India.”

The source further said, “But his response was that someone from BCCI should come to Dubai and take the trophy from him. So that matter has still not moved. BCCI has made its stance clear that it won't be receiving the trophy from him. So the matter will most likely be decided in the ICC meeting.”

Former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, now ICC chief, oversees the ongoing issue of the Asia Cup trophy, which remains at the ACC headquarters after a controversy during the presentation. The Indian team refused to take it from Naqvi, who left with it. Naqvi also holds positions as PCB chairman and Pakistan’s interior minister.

Team India refrained from shaking hands with Pakistani players during the Asia Cup as a mark of respect for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. The three-week-long tournament saw the arch-rivals face each other every Sunday, drawing massive attention from fans and media across the cricketing world.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly called a joint meeting of the national selection committee and advisory board on Monday in Lahore. In a statement, the PCB confirmed that Mike Hesson, the head coach of Pakistan’s white-ball teams, had written to Naqvi asking for the meeting to discuss ODI team matters and captaincy.

According to PTI, the meeting suggests that Hesson might push for a change in captaincy as part of his plans. However, it remains to be seen whether his suggestions will be accepted by the PCB officials in Lahore.

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No Decision Yet on ODI Captaincy

“No decision has been taken on the ODI captaincy. The chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has asked the selectors and advisors to meet on Monday to discuss the matter,” the statement said.

There are rumours that Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, or Salman Ali Agha — who led Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup final — could replace Mohammad Rizwan as ODI captain.

🚨 CANDIDATES FOR ODI CAPTAINCY 🚨

- Babar, Shaheen & Agha are in contention for the ODI captaincy.

- Rizwan is also unlikely to be part of the ODI squad if he’s removed from captaincy. (Sohail Imran) pic.twitter.com/kTKN6r59PU

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) October 18, 2025

PCB Officials to Discuss Captaincy Options

The selectors’ panel includes Aaqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, Aleem Dar, and Azhar Ali, while the advisors are former Test players Sarfaraz Ahmed and Sikander Bakht. Sarfaraz and Sikander directly report to Naqvi and advise him on all cricket matters.

Rizwan, who has been out of Pakistan’s T20 setup since December 2024 along with Babar Azam, led Pakistan to ODI series wins in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. However, the team’s form dipped during the home tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.

The struggles continued, as Pakistan lost back-to-back ODI series in New Zealand and the West Indies. Pakistan will now host South Africa for a three-match ODI series on November 4, 6, and 8 as part of their ongoing tour.

After Rinku Singh smashed a boundary through covers to win the Asia Cup 2025 against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there was nearly a wait of one and a half hour before the presentation party. It was reported that the Suryakumar Yadav-led side wasn’t prepared to accept the title from the chairman of ACC, Mohsin Naqvi.

Mohsin Naqvi later escaped with the trophy, and India had to pose for the pictures without the cup. The reports of Cricbuzz have revealed that the silverware, which was carried away from the Dubai stadium after the Indian team refused to accept it from Naqvi, is locked up in the ACC office in Dubai at present.

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The instructions have been issued by Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) staff that it shouldn’t be moved from the office without his authorization. It’s housed within the ICC academy in Dubai and is staffed by only two employees.

India to finally receive their winning Asia Cup 2025 trophy after this meeting

The core issue is how the entire process will be solved. At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the ACC in Dubai on September 30, it was decided that the five-Test playing nations under the ACC- India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh- would take care of the unresolved matter and come to a conclusion. Their meeting is scheduled to happen next month, coinciding with the ICC’s quarterly gathering in Dubai.

But things won’t be that simple if Naqvi doesn’t turn up for the meeting. It’s not confirmed that Naqvi will attend the meeting. He had stayed away from the ICC Annual Conference in July, and some believe that there is a chance that he would send his representatives to the meeting, which is going to take place from November 04 to 07.

In such a situation, the deadlock could persist. The trophy may continue to get dust in the ACC official. A lot will depend on how the BCCI handles the entire situation. They are not helpless and may take now actions to ensure that the Indian team receives the prize they won.

Former ICC umpire Anil Chaudhary has criticized the ongoing Asia Cup trophy controversy, taking aim at Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi for his actions after the final. Despite India’s dominant win over Pakistan more than two weeks ago, the Suryakumar Yadav-led team is yet to receive the trophy and winner’s medals.

According to reports, Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, left the stadium with the awards after Indian players reportedly refused to accept them from him due to his known anti-India stance. The incident sparked major criticism and confusion among fans and officials alike.

Naqvi has since maintained that the Indian team can only claim the trophy by collecting it directly from him. Chaudhary condemned the episode, calling it unprofessional and disrespectful to the spirit of the game, emphasizing that such controversies tarnish the prestige of a major tournament like the Asia Cup.

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Former ICC Umpire Criticizes Mohsin Naqvi:

As the trophy standoff continues, Anil Chaudhary expressed his frustration during an appearance on the Raunac Podcast. He strongly criticized Mohsin Naqvi’s conduct following the Asia Cup final, calling it unnecessary and disrespectful to the players who had earned their victory on the field.

He said, “ Anybody could have handed over the trophy. There were plenty of individuals representing the UAE authority as well. Nothing states that you have to collect the trophy from just one person.”

He added, “ It has no mention in the rules but woh Sajjan trophy leke chale gaye (he took away the trophy). Sajjan also has another meaning. Like I said, there's no rule that only one person has to hand over the trophy. I don't even know who he is.”

The 60-year-old termed Mohsin Naqvi’s behaviour as strange and unacceptable, adding that in all his years of umpiring, he had never come across such an unusual situation involving a trophy presentation after a major cricket final.

He further said, “ I just know Mohsin Raza. I only saw it in the media. Yeh coat-pant waalo se zyada milta nahi main (I don't meet people who wear coats and pants). I have never seen a trophy not be given. In local cricket, yes, there must have been instances, but I can't recall.”

Chaudhary, who now runs a YouTube channel following his retirement from umpiring, also spoke about the much-discussed handshake controversy between India and Pakistan, shedding light on what really happened during that tense post-match moment.

He concluded, “ There's no such guideline. The handshake culture has come into existence since the last 15-16 years. When I started officiating in the Ranji trophy, there was no such practice. Yes, the captains used to shake hands but not all players. Today, the players shake hands with almost 70 people. This is just a gesture. It's up to you whether you want to or not.”

The drama surrounding the Asia Cup 2025 trophy shows no signs of ending anytime soon. Following India’s five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final, ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi seemed to take the silverware away, creating a major controversy. His actions have left fans and cricket officials divided over the rightful ownership of the trophy.

According to PTI, the trophy is currently being kept at the ACC headquarters. Despite India winning the tournament, Naqvi has reportedly issued strict instructions that the trophy should not be moved or handed over without his personal approval. His stance has only intensified the dispute, drawing widespread attention across cricketing circles.

Sources say the ACC is now in a delicate position, trying to maintain neutrality while ensuring the trophy reaches its rightful winners. The situation has sparked heated discussions among cricket administrators, fans, and former players, making the Asia Cup 2025 trophy saga one of the most talked-about controversies in recent cricket history.

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BCCI to Take Big and Bold Action Against Mohsin Naqvi:

The BCCI has announced that it will raise the issue of Mohsin Naqvi’s behaviour with the ICC. According to PTI, the board plans to seek censure against Naqvi and may push for his removal as ICC Director if necessary.

Earlier, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized that the Asia Cup trophy does not belong to Naqvi personally. He urged that the silverware should be returned to India immediately, reinforcing that the title rightfully belongs to the winning team. The board is determined to take all necessary steps to ensure that the trophy reaches its proper owners without further delay.

According to PTI, a source close to BCCI said, “ It remains to be seen what will be the long-term ramifications for the PCB or Naqvi because the BCCI is clear he (Naqvi) didn't have any right to insist on handing the trophy himself to the Indian team and refusing to send it to the BCCI, who were the official hosts of the event.”

The IND-PAK Controversial Saga in Asia Cup:

The eight-team Asia Cup ended on September 28 with India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, refusing to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s Interior Minister. The post-match ceremony was delayed by nearly an hour and ended abruptly, as neither India nor Naqvi changed their position.

India and Pakistan faced off three times in the Asia Cup, marking their first encounter since the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Tensions between the two sides overshadowed much of the tournament, creating a highly charged and contentious atmosphere throughout.

The first incident happened on September 14, when Suryakumar Yadav’s team declined to shake hands with Pakistan. This sparked politically tense reactions from Pakistani players during the Super 4s match, including a heated exchange between Haris Rauf, Abhishek Sharma, and Shubman Gill.

Mohsin Naqvi’s Controversial Remarks:

Naqvi neglected his duties as ACC chairman, repeatedly posting political remarks against India on social media. Following the Asia Cup, an ACC meeting saw tensions rise between Naqvi and BCCI officials, including Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar.

At first, Naqvi avoided congratulating India on its Asia Cup triumph, only doing so after Shelar’s insistence. He stayed silent on the trophy issue, and when Shelar and Shukla attempted to address it, Naqvi kept deflecting, refusing to engage on the matter.

As per standard procedure, the Asia Cup trophy was meant to be handed over to the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. However, Naqvi insisted that India can only receive it if captain Suryakumar Yadav personally travels to Dubai to collect it from him.

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood will continue to lead the team in red-ball cricket, much to his relief. Despite Pakistan’s poor performance in the last World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Masood will remain captain for the 2025–27 WTC cycle. The decision ensures stability for the side as they prepare for upcoming series, including matches against South Africa.

On Tuesday, Masood and Pakistan’s red-ball coach, Azhar Mahmood, met with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. According to ESPNCricinfo, the captain-coach duo has been given a free hand to manage the team. Ironically, neither Masood nor Mahmood was part of the selection committee for choosing the squad for the upcoming South Africa series. Masood replaced Babar Azam as Test captain after the 2023 World Cup, but the team has shown limited progress since then. Many had speculated that Masood could be replaced after Pakistan finished at the bottom of the WTC 2023–25 points table.

Masood's central contract was recently reduced from Category B to Category D, the lowest level, indicating the team's haplessness under his command. Pakistan lost nine of the 12 Tests played under him, which shows how much work needs to be done. In spite of those performances, his captaincy is safe, at least for the moment.

Azhar Mahmood Also Retained as Head Coach

Azhar Mahmood will remain the head coach of red-ball cricket in Pakistan. Since the start of 2024, there has already been more than one coaching change, including with Jason Gillespie, who left unexpectedly following an argument with the PCB. Mahmood now has the job of rebuilding the team and improving results.

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Together, Masood and Mahmood will be responsible for building Pakistan's red-ball team, grooming youngsters, and enhancing the team's performance. Their priority will be to regain confidence and competitiveness as Pakistan embarks on a new journey in Test cricket with the 2025–27 WTC cycle.

In a significant development for Pakistan cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released its own online streaming service, PCB Live, providing fans of Pakistani cricket exclusive content. The digital service is designed to upgrade the way cricket fans watch the sport and will feature live broadcasts, highlights, and future behind-the-scenes access. This digital product will first be available in the United Kingdom, with fans in the UK being able to register beginning Saturday, October 11, 2025.

The service will go live with the Pakistan vs South Africa Test match on October 12, 2025. First accessible via its official website for desktop and Android TV viewers, the PCB Live mobile app is also being developed and set to go live by the end of October. Upon going live, it will enable fans to stream matches at their fingertips on their mobile phones, further enhancing accessibility for the increasing global fan community.

Apart from live overseas matches, PCB Live will also broadcast a number of Pakistan's domestic competitions and feature legendary cricket moments from the history of the nation. According to the PCB’s official website, subscribers will gain access to exclusive interviews, documentaries, training sessions, and unseen content from behind the scenes, offering a closer look at players and preparations like never before.

A New Era of Digital Engagement for Pakistan Cricket

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi described the launch as a “momentous milestone” for Pakistan cricket. “This is a momentous milestone in the journey of Pakistan cricket. We are proud to launch our own OTT platform in an era where digital convenience shapes the fan experience. This initiative reflects our commitment to forward-thinking and innovation,” Naqvi said.

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Naqvi further emphasized that the platform is designed not only for fans in Pakistan but for supporters across the globe. “While PCB LIVE is launching from the UK region, we will gradually expand its footprint to other regions to ensure that our fans, wherever they may be, stay connected to the game they love. Whether it’s iconic memories from the past or thrilling live action from today, this platform will bring Pakistan cricket directly into the hands of our passionate supporters,” he added.

Following this exciting digital development, Pakistan’s cricketing journey continues with a two-match Test series against South Africa, followed by a three-match T20I series, both of which will be available for streaming on PCB Live.