'Trophy kab lautaoge?': Mohsin Naqvi faces heat for calling PSL No.1 in the world

NEW DELHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has laid out a bold vision for the future of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), stating that he intends to elevate it to the status of the world's top franchise cricket tournament. Calling the goal realistic rather than optimistic, Naqvi said the task is “not a difficult” one, especially considering the depth of cricketing talent and passion within Pakistan.




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Speaking during the PSL Roadshow at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground, Naqvi shared the stage with former Pakistan captains Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja, while PSL CEO Salman Naseer moderated the conversation. The event was aimed at showcasing the PSL brand and engaging global cricket stakeholders ahead of future seasons.




When asked to define his long-term roadmap, Naqvi responded with a confident declaration of intent. “The vision is simple, to make PSL the top league in the world. With people like Ramiz and Wasim standing beside us, I am confident this is absolutely achievable,” he said.


However, the statement drew widespread mockery from Indian cricket fans online, many of whom referenced Naqvi’s controversial handling of the Asia Cup trophy presentation when India defeated Pakistan in the final.

Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), took the trophy back after India declined to accept it directly from him — triggering diplomatic tensions between the cricket boards.


In a positive development, both sides now appear to be moving toward resolution. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that talks had begun during the recent ICC meetings in Dubai.


"I was a part of both the informal and formal meeting of the ICC. PCB chairperson Mohsin Naqvi was also present. During the course of a formal meeting, it was not on agenda but ICC facilitated a meeting between myself and the PCB chief separately in the presence of a senior ICC office-bearer and another senior official," Saikia told PTI.


He added that discussions were respectful and productive.


"It was really good to start the process of negotiation. Both sides cordially participated in the meeting which took place on the sidelines of the ICC board meet," he said, expressing optimism that the matter will be resolved soon.


With the trophy currently stored at ACC headquarters in Dubai and movement restricted on Naqvi’s orders, the matter remains symbolic but sensitive.


"Both sides will work out something to solve the issue at the earliest. The ice has been broken now," Saikia added.


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