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.

Former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra pointed out Pakistan’s recurring difficulties against wrist spinners, observing that the pattern persists in the World Cup. He opined that spinners like Adil Rashid and Ish Sodhi might be formidable adversaries for Pakistan in the following games.

During the recent game against South Africa in Chennai on October 27, Tabraiz Shamsi, the left-arm wrist spinner, gave the Pakistan batting line-up a hard time. He claimed the prized wickets of Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Saud Shakeel, giving away 60 runs in his 10-over spell.

Aakash Chopra: Pakistan Struggles with Leg Spin

On his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra shared insights about Pakistan’s historical struggles against leg-spin. He referenced legendary bowlers like Shane Warne and Anil Kumble who had often outfoxed Pakistani batsmen with their leg-spin deliveries.

“Pakistan has always found it tough against leg-spinners. We’ve seen the likes of Shane Warne making them dance to his tunes. And who can forget Anil Kumble’s record-breaking 10-wicket haul in an innings against them?” Chopra commented.

“And in this tournament, don’t even get me started – bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav, Adam Zampa, Noor Ahmad, Tabraiz Shamsi, Adil Rashid, and Ish Sodhi have all posed threats. While Rashid and Sodhi are yet to face Pakistan, I’m sure they’ll make an impact when they do.”

South Africa’s bowlers managed to restrict Pakistan to a score of 270 in 46.4 overs. Under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, the South African team managed a thrilling chase, surpassing the target with just one wicket in hand and 16 balls to spare. This victory propelled them to the pinnacle of the 10-team points table.

Aakash Chopra: Marco Jansen Sets the Tone Early On

Former Indian opening batsman Aakash Chopra lauded the performances of South African bowlers Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee for their consistent display of skill in the World Cup. According to Chopra, Jansen has been instrumental in giving early breakthroughs, managing to bag at least two wickets in every game.

“In every match of this World Cup, Marco Jansen has been a certainty to grab a minimum of two wickets. In the recent game, he even claimed three,” Chopra observed. “He sets the tone right from the outset. Gerald Coetzee, too, has been effective.”

Jansen and Coetzee are the spearheads of the South African bowling attack in the World Cup, having taken 13 and 12 wickets respectively. Jansen is currently the fourth-highest wicket-taker of the tournament, closely followed by Coetzee in fifth position.