Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has strongly criticised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks following India’s Asia Cup 2025 victory, saying that linking war with sports is “a sign of despair” and against the true spirit of the game.

In a sharp statement, Naqvi said:

“War is a measure of your pride, and history has preserved your humiliating defeat at the hands of Pakistan.”
“No cricket match can change this truth.”

The PCB chairman stressed that Modi’s attempt to equate cricket with war undermines the spirit of sportsmanship and reflects frustration rather than triumph.

If war was your measure of pride, history already records your humiliating defeats at Pakistan’s hands. No cricket match can rewrite that truth. Dragging war into sport only exposes desperation and disgraces the very spirit of the game https://t.co/lqiUATm3wX
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) September 29, 2025

After India’s dramatic win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final, Prime Minister Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“Outcome is the same – India wins! Congrats to our cricketers.”

He linked the cricketing triumph to “#OperationSindoor”, a controversial military reference. The post went viral, sparking strong reactions across both countries.

Trophy controversy

The post-match presentation ceremony in Dubai ended in unprecedented controversy when the Indian cricket team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially informed the ACC of their refusal.
The trophy was recalled from the stage, and the ceremony concluded without India receiving their medals.
Naqvi, however, stood firm and continued the ceremony, presenting the runner-up cheque to Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha.

A fireworks display followed, while the Indian players later took to the stage for photos and celebrations—without the trophy or medals.