Former Pakistan batter Mohammad Yousuf has publicly supported Mohsin Naqvi after India’s women did not take part in the trophy presentation following their Women’s Asia Cup triumph. Naqvi is the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
What happened at the final
India beat Sri Lanka by 72 runs to win the title for a record-extending eighth time. The players, however, did not attend the ceremony to receive the trophy from Naqvi. It came a year after India’s men’s team also declined to collect the Asia Cup from him, following tensions between the two countries and controversy around that tournament.
Naqvi largely stayed out of view during the match and arrived in the VIP box only in the closing stages. The presentation was then held up by around 45 to 50 minutes before going ahead without the Indian players. Sri Lanka’s players collected their runners-up medals, and Naqvi handed the runners-up cheque to captain Chamari Athapaththu.
Yousuf’s reaction
On September 15, Yousuf posted on social media, criticising the Indian side. His message said that when national pride becomes arrogance, victory brings no reward, and that a nation lacking humility is still a loser.
India’s explanation
India women’s head coach Amol Muzumdar said the team had followed the BCCI’s decision on the ceremony. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia later said Naqvi had been told in advance that the players would not accept the trophy from him. Saikia and vice-president Rajeev Shukla were both at the final.
