Mohsin Naqvi's Tantrums: From 'Stealing' Asia Cup Trophy To T20 World Cup Boycott Threat

Mohsin Naqvi cannot stay away from the spotlight. The controversial chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has consistently made headlines for his antics targeting the Indian cricket team, dating

back to last year’s Asia Cup. That tournament saw him threaten to pull out of a match over alleged unsportsmanlike conduct, only to leave with the trophy in barely believable scenes, denying the champions a chance to celebrate their historic triumph.

However, the Asia Cup was far from an anomaly – it was just the beginning.

Naqvi has repeatedly ensured his presence in the limelight through attempts to stoke tensions and controversy. His latest drama involves threats to boycott the upcoming T20 World Cup, in what PCB claims is a show of solidarity with the Bangladeshi cricket team, which was excluded from the competition after unsuccessfully demanding that their group matches in India be relocated.

Here’s a look at Naqvi’s series of tantrums:

September 2025 – No Handshakes, Naqvi Threatens Boycott

During the Asia Cup, Naqvi, who is also the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), publicly complained after Indian players snubbed Pakistan during the post-match handshake following their group-stage clash. India abstained from handshakes in solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and to support Operation Sindoor.

Naqvi alleged that match referee Andy Pycroft instructed the Pakistan captain not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart during the toss. The PCB threatened to withdraw from their match against the UAE if Pycroft was not removed from the tournament. In the end, Pakistan went ahead with the match.

Naqvi Vents on Social Media

Unfazed by the failed boycott, Naqvi took to X (formerly Twitter) to comment on sportsmanship, claiming politics was being dragged into sport.

Asia Cup Final: Naqvi Scoots Away With Trophy

On 28 September 2025, India defeated Pakistan in a thrilling final by five wickets. The Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, citing his position as PCB chairman and a Pakistani government official. Naqvi insisted on handing over the trophy, delaying the ceremony by over an hour. No trophies or medals were presented on the field.

Naqvi then left the stadium with the trophy, sparking widespread shock and criticism.

Late September – Trophy in Naqvi’s Custody; BCCI Calls Meeting

The BCCI remained firm in refusing to accept the trophy from Naqvi, condemning his conduct and planning to lodge a formal complaint with the ICC. Naqvi insisted India’s captain must collect the trophy personally, rejecting any alternative arrangement.

BCCI Fumes at Naqvi

A BCCI official reportedly walked out of an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in protest at Naqvi’s behavior.

October 2025 – Naqvi Questioned About the Trophy

Naqvi was asked about the trophy situation during a public event but offered no clear answer.

December 2025 – Naqvi Presents U19 Asia Cup Trophy

Naqvi finally presented a trophy at the U19 Asia Cup, where Pakistan’s U19 team defeated India in the final. He celebrated the victory, handing over the silverware with visible delight.

Naqvi Accuses Indian Players of Provoking Pakistan U19 Players

The final was heated, and Naqvi later claimed he would inform the ICC about Indian players’ behavior. “Indian players kept provoking Pakistani players during the U19 Asia Cup final. Pakistan will formally inform the ICC. Politics and sports should always remain separate,” he was quoted as saying.

January 2026 – PCB Wades Into T20 World Cup Drama

After the ICC rejected the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) request to relocate their T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, PCB expressed support. It was the only other ICC board, alongside BCB, to vote in favor of shifting the matches. Reports indicate PCB is open to hosting matches involving Bangladesh during the tournament.

PCB Claims BCB Received Unfair Treatment

Naqvi stated that BCB was treated unfairly after Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the T20 World Cup.

PCB Threatens Boycott

Naqvi later declared Pakistan stands with Bangladesh and that, if the Pakistan government decides, the team may also withdraw from the 2026 T20 World Cup. He added that the final decision on Pakistan’s participation rests with the national government.

PCB Announces Team

Despite earlier threats of a boycott, PCB announced its squad for the T20 World Cup the following day.

Black Armbands, Boycott Considerations Against India

Media reports suggest PCB is exploring options to protest Bangladesh’s World Cup exit- from players wearing black armbands in their match against India to boycotting the game or even withdrawing entirely from the tournament.