NEW DELHI: Indian journalist Vikrant Gupta has lauded Mohsin Naqvi for his unshaken stance against India
In a recent discussion, the prominent Indian sports commentator openly lauded Naqvi’s aggressive and unwavering stance against India.
Gupta remarked that in the past, the Pakistan Cricket Board would routinely bow to India’s decisions, but under Mohsin Naqvi’s leadership, the PCB has shown unprecedented courage and resolve by giving the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) a fitting response.
He pointed out that during the 2023 Asia Cup, Pakistan held the hosting rights, yet the PCB was forced to cede the event to Sri Lanka under pressure from India.
In contrast, the situation was entirely different for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Under Naqvi’s command, the PCB adopted a firm and uncompromising position, refusing to accept India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan.
This strong approach ultimately compelled the International Cricket Council (ICC) to agree to a bilateral arrangement: for ICC events hosted by either country between 2024 and 2027, matches involving the other team would be played at a neutral venue.
This applied not only to men’s cricket but also to women’s teams.
Gupta further highlighted Naqvi’s similar firmness during his tenure as ACC President in the Asia Cup.
When the Indian team refused to receive the trophy from him at the presentation ceremony, Naqvi responded by retaining the trophy and having it placed in the Asian Cricket Council‘s office instead.
According to Gupta, Mohsin Naqvi has broken from past precedents by treating India as an equal on every front, displaying no flexibility or retreat whatsoever, an approach rarely, if ever, seen before from Pakistani cricket administration.
