PCB chairman slams Indian media over ‘false apology’ claims

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi has strongly dismissed Indian media reports alleging he apologised to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the recent Asia Cup controversy.

Taking to social platform X, Naqvi categorically rejected the claim, saying: “Indian media thrives on lies, not facts.” His remarks come in response to widespread reports from Indian outlets suggesting he had issued an apology regarding the Asia Cup dispute.

“These reports are nonsense,” Naqvi wrote. “I have done nothing wrong and I have never apologised to the BCCI, nor will I ever do so.”

Indian media thrives on lies, not facts. Let me make it absolutely clear: I have done nothing wrong and I have never apologized to the BCCI nor will I ever do so.

This fabricated nonsense is nothing but cheap propaganda, aimed only at misleading their own people. Unfortunately,… https://t.co/kHwBkEeQC2

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) October 1, 2025

The row stems from the conclusion of the Asia Cup tournament, during which Naqvi was waiting on stage to hand over the final trophy to the Indian team, which the Men in Blue declined to receive from him. As a result, the trophy was sent back to the official room at the Dubai Cricket Stadium, and the event concluded without the formal presentation of the trophy and medals.

Speaking in his capacity as ACC President, Naqvi clarified the situation, saying: “By the time the event concluded and the final ceremony began, I was ready to hand over the trophy that very day. I am still ready to do so. However, their representatives were not present at the time to receive it.”

Pakistan vs India match: Shaheens sent to bat first in Asia Cup 2025 final

He further added that the trophy remains at the ACC office and extended an open invitation: “They are welcome to come and collect it, if they truly want it.”