The Asia Cup 2025 trophy saga took a new turn as ACC Chief and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi apologized to the BCCI. Despite the apology, tensions remain high over the trophy and medals, which India says must be handed over following proper ACC protocols, according to some reports.
However, the standoff over the trophy and medals continues. Naqvi softened his tone during the ACC meeting on September 30, according to India Today. He maintained, though, that if India wants the trophy and medals, their captain should collect them from the ACC office in Dubai.
India Rejects Naqvi’s Condition
The BCCI argued that no such requirement existed on the night of the final. They demanded a protocol handover, governed by ACC rules, rather than ad-hoc instructions.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla told the ACC that the trophy belongs to the council, not any individual. He criticized Naqvi for taking the trophy and medals without a proper handover. Shukla’s message was clear; the apology was accepted, but hand over the trophy as per protocols.
Earlier, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia explained India’s position bluntly, “We have decided not to accept the Asia Cup 2025 trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the senior leaders of Pakistan. That was a conscious decision.”
He added, “This does not give him the right to take the trophy and the medals with him. It is extremely unfortunate and unsportsmanlike. We hope the trophy medals will be returned to India as soon as possible.”
ACC Rules and Protocols Matter
The statement reflects India’s stand. Refusing to accept the trophy from Naqvi was deliberate, but it did not give him the right to remove it from the venue. The report claims Naqvi remained firm, insisting that the Indian captain must come to Dubai to collect it.
Ceremonial protocols are not just formalities; they are the shared rules of sport. By setting conditions and treating the trophy as his personal property, Naqvi risks turning a routine handover into a political issue. India’s response emphasizes ACC’s institutional ownership and protocol compliance.
Standoff Likely to Continue
The rivalry between India and Pakistan has already escalated this past week. The apology without actual restitution ensures the story is far from over. The Asia Cup 2025 trophy standoff will likely continue until there is a public, protocol-compliant handover.
For now, the trophy’s custody remains unclear. The optics around the incident continue to raise questions about sportsmanship, fairness, and adherence to ACC rules.
