Mohsin Naqvi handed over the Asia Cup Rising Stars trophy to Pakistan Shaheens after their thrilling final win marking a smooth and celebratory presentation. (Image Credit: X/ @Dank_jetha)
Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi beamed as he handed over the Asia Cup Rising Stars trophy to the Pakistan Shaheens after their nail-biting Super Over win against Bangladesh A. The match was tense, with both teams finishing regulation play at a dead heat, and Pakistan chasing down the target in the Super Over to seal the win.
Naqvi's expression during the presentation snapped a recent streak of tension - it was one of the most high-profile public handovers he has done since the bigger Asia Cup trophy row.
This was a moment watched closely, because Naqvi was at the centre of a major controversy in September: after the senior Asia Cup final, the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from him. That incident cast a long shadow. The Rising Stars event provided a symbolic reconciliation at least for the younger teams.
For Naqvi, this was an opportunity to show calm and celebration, not drama. His smile and composure during the Rising Stars ceremony were in stark contrast to the silence and standoff that followed the senior Asia Cup final.
The bigger issue originated in the Asia Cup final match when India defeated Pakistan. Conventionally, in all major tournaments, the champions get their trophy after a post-match on-field ceremony, but this time it did not occur. The Indian side refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, considering political tensions and protocol concerns.
Then, Naqvi took the trophy back with him. Later, he made conditions: if India wants the trophy, its officials or captain must come to the ACC office in Dubai to receive it personally. The trophy is reported to be locked there under the explicit instructions of Naqvi.
India's cricket board, the BCCI, took strong objection. They termed his demand unreasonable and sought the trophy's return. When Naqvi refused to budge, the BCCI started pressing for the issue to be raised at the ICC level, arguing that it was not only about presentation etiquette but respect for the champions.
Naqvi has defended his actions firmly. He insisted he acted within his role as ACC President. While he has apologised for the chaos surrounding the presentation, he has not apologised for holding onto the trophy. He stated that India is welcome to receive it “from him personally” at the ACC office a condition that the BCCI rejects. He has repeatedly said that he stands by his decision.
