‘I Don't Even Know Who He Is…’- Ex-ICC umpire criticizes Mohsin Naqvi over Asia Cup trophy controversy

Former ICC umpire Anil Chaudhary has criticized the ongoing Asia Cup trophy controversy, taking aim at Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi for his actions after the final. Despite India’s dominant win over Pakistan more than two weeks ago, the Suryakumar Yadav-led team is yet to receive the trophy and winner’s medals.

According to reports, Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, left the stadium with the awards after Indian players reportedly refused to accept them from him due to his known anti-India stance. The incident sparked major criticism and confusion among fans and officials alike.

Naqvi has since maintained that the Indian team can only claim the trophy by collecting it directly from him. Chaudhary condemned the episode, calling it unprofessional and disrespectful to the spirit of the game, emphasizing that such controversies tarnish the prestige of a major tournament like the Asia Cup.

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Former ICC Umpire Criticizes Mohsin Naqvi:

As the trophy standoff continues, Anil Chaudhary expressed his frustration during an appearance on the Raunac Podcast. He strongly criticized Mohsin Naqvi’s conduct following the Asia Cup final, calling it unnecessary and disrespectful to the players who had earned their victory on the field.

He said, “ Anybody could have handed over the trophy. There were plenty of individuals representing the UAE authority as well. Nothing states that you have to collect the trophy from just one person.”

He added, “ It has no mention in the rules but woh Sajjan trophy leke chale gaye (he took away the trophy). Sajjan also has another meaning. Like I said, there's no rule that only one person has to hand over the trophy. I don't even know who he is.”

The 60-year-old termed Mohsin Naqvi’s behaviour as strange and unacceptable, adding that in all his years of umpiring, he had never come across such an unusual situation involving a trophy presentation after a major cricket final.

He further said, “ I just know Mohsin Raza. I only saw it in the media. Yeh coat-pant waalo se zyada milta nahi main (I don't meet people who wear coats and pants). I have never seen a trophy not be given. In local cricket, yes, there must have been instances, but I can't recall.”

Chaudhary, who now runs a YouTube channel following his retirement from umpiring, also spoke about the much-discussed handshake controversy between India and Pakistan, shedding light on what really happened during that tense post-match moment.

He concluded, “ There's no such guideline. The handshake culture has come into existence since the last 15-16 years. When I started officiating in the Ranji trophy, there was no such practice. Yes, the captains used to shake hands but not all players. Today, the players shake hands with almost 70 people. This is just a gesture. It's up to you whether you want to or not.”