The relationship between India and Pakistan has historically been fraught with conflict and distrust, which often spills over into cricketing relations. There is a prevailing sentiment in India that playing matches with Pakistan while political relations are strained, especially in the wake of terrorist attacks, sends the wrong message. This stance is particularly evident in the Indian government’s decision to not allow bilateral series and restrict encounters to multinational tournaments only.

Bharat wins the Asia Cup final. The Bharatiya team captain donates his entire earnings from this tournament to the Bharatiya Army. The captain and his team refuse to accept the trophy from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi.

The team refused to shake hands with the Pakistanis or participate in a joint photograph with the trophy. The Bharatiya captain and his team refused the friendly gestures because the Operation Sindoor is still ongoing. All of this was mentioned to the match organizers beforehand.

So, what does the Pakistani ACC chief do? Instead of asking another dignitary to present the trophy, he walks away with the trophy to his hotel room

The social media and the old relic media is full of discussions, opinions regarding this matter. The Pakistanis are building a narrative around manners, while some in Bharat are saying that there is no need to bring in politics.

Fact is, this has nothing to do with politics. It has everything to do with the Islamist terrorism sponsored by Pakistan.

A narrative is being built around bringing politics into cricket by the Pakistanis and their well-wishers in Bharat. It is about terrorism.

How would you feel shaking hands with a representative of a country that sends Islamist terrorist to your country to kill your fellow citizens?

Who is Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi?

Mr. Naqvi was the Chief Minister of Pakistan’s Punjab from 2023 to 2024.

In 2024, he was sworn in as the Federal Minister for Interior Narcotics Control.

He was sworn in as a member of the Senate in 2024.

Why Is This Important?

The Bharatiya Cricket Board’s secretary Devajit has stated that, “We have decided not to take the Asia Cup trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the main political leaders of Pakistan,” (ESPN.com)

So, here we have it. Bharat refused to accept a trophy from a person who is directly linked to an enemy state of Bharat. The enemy state actors are part of the establishment that attacked Bharat after Bharat had destroyed terrorist camps in Pakistan. Usually, the states do not respond back when Islamist terrorists are attacked.

Let us not forget that Pakistan claims to be a “victim of terrorism”. (Bhutto) Meanwhile, it retaliates on behalf of these terrorists. How much clearer can things be?

Do not fall for the narratives that are being pushed.

References

“India refuse to accept Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi”. ESPN.com. 29 September 2025. Retrieved 29 September 2025.

Statement of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, B.B. Bhutto. UN Congress on Victim of Terrorism, NY, Sept 08. 2022. https://www.un.org/counterterrorism/sites/

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