India defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai on September 28, but celebrations turned controversial. The Indian cricket team refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Naqvi then walked away with the trophy from the presentation ceremony. The trophy is now locked at the ACC headquarters in Dubai, with strict instructions that it should not be moved or handed over without his approval.
BCCI’s Response and Possible ICC Action
The BCCI has vowed to raise the issue at the next ICC meeting. Reports suggest that a strong move to censure or even remove Naqvi as ICC Director could be on the cards. This would be a rare intervention in cricket governance, reflecting growing concerns about the influence of politics in administrative roles.
Analysts suggest that the standoff over the Asia Cup trophy is more than just a ceremonial dispute. It highlights the clash between cricketing protocol and political power, as Naqvi simultaneously serves as ACC chairman, PCB chief, and Pakistan’s Interior Minister.
Locked Away in Dubai: Who Holds the Trophy?
A source close to Mohsin Naqvi said: “As of today, the trophy is still in ACC offices in Dubai with clear instructions from Naqvi that it should not be moved or handed over to anyone without his approval and in-person presence.”
“Naqvi has given clear instructions that only he will hand over the trophy in person (whenever that happens) to the Indian team or BCCI.”
The move has angered BCCI officials, who believe Naqvi overstepped his authority. The trophy is traditionally presented to the winning team by the host board, not an individual.
Indo-Pak Rivalry Fuels Controversy
The 2025 Asia Cup was marked by heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The Indian team refused to shake hands with the Pakistani side during group stage matches. On the field, players exchanged politically charged gestures, and even Naqvi made statements on social media.
“It remains to be seen what will be the long-term ramifications for the PCB or Naqvi because the BCCI is clear he (Naqvi) didn’t have any right to insist on handing the trophy himself to the Indian team and refusing to send it to the BCCI, which was the official host of the event,” a source told PTI.
Governance Clash in Global Cricket
This incident could reshape the balance of power in Asian cricket. If the BCCI succeeds in pushing for Naqvi’s removal, it would send a strong message about the autonomy of sports administration and the importance of separating politics from cricket.
The Asia Cup trophy, locked away in Dubai, has now become a symbol of a larger struggle over governance, authority, and sportsmanship.
