In a dramatic development following the Asia Cup final, Mohsin Naqvi Pakistan’s Interior Minister, head of the Pakistan Cricket Board, and President of the Asian Cricket Council has been announced as the recipient of the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Excellence Gold Medal. The honour is reportedly being conferred in recognition of Naqvi’s controversial decision to withhold the trophy from Indian players, who declined to accept it amid a tense post-match atmosphere.

During the ceremony, when Indian players refused to accept the trophy from him, citing political context, Naqvi retained the trophy and later made it clear that India could come to the ACC headquarters and collect it if desired. He refused to apologise, tweeting, “I did nothing wrong…” and indicating he stood by his actions, even in the face of criticism from BCCI officials.

The award announcement was made by advocate Ghulam Abbas Jamal, who described Naqvi’s act as restoring Pakistan’s “national pride” at a moment charged with political and symbolic tension. Plans are underway for a formal award ceremony in Karachi, with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expected as the chief guest and a top-tier organizing committee already formed.

Critics and observers have noted that the episode transcends cricket, becoming a broader reflection of symbolism, politics, and national self-assertion. The trophy controversy has already been raised by the BCCI at the ACC’s annual meeting, and may even be brought up to the ICC in the coming sessions.

India’s refusal to accept the trophy from Naqvi followed strict protocols adopted in the tournament, including a “no handshake” posture with Pakistani players. While India won the tournament, the manner of trophy presentation added a diplomatic edge to the sporting outcome.

The decision to honour Naqvi has been largely celebrated across Pakistan’s political and sporting establishments as a gesture of defiance and national pride. The award is seen not only as recognition of a single act, but as a message that sovereignty and dignity cannot be compromised even in the world of sport.