The controversy surrounding the Asia Cup trophy continues as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) explores measures to remove Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi from his post as president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
According to reports, the BCCI is considering initiating a no-confidence motion against Naqvi, seeking support from member boards to push the motion through. Sri Lanka has reportedly pledged its backing to India, while Bangladesh is aligning with Pakistan. Afghanistan’s stance is expected to be crucial in determining whether Naqvi will continue as ACC president, a position he has held since April 2025.
Tensions stemming from Asia Cup 2025
The 17th edition of the Asia Cup, held just months after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam and subsequent military operations between India and Pakistan, saw India-Pakistan tensions spill onto the cricket field. While the Men in Blue participated in the tournament, several fans, former cricketers, and politicians had opposed the Indian team’s engagement with Pakistan.
During their three meetings with Pakistan, the Indian players refused to shake hands with their opponents. Captain Suryakumar Yadav notably ignored Pakistani counterpart Salman Ali Agha during the toss, signalling lingering hostilities.
The situation escalated after India clinched the Asia Cup title for the ninth time with a five-wicket victory over Pakistan. The Indian team refused to accept the winners’ trophy and medals directly from Mohsin Naqvi, who had attracted criticism for posting a controversial anti-India message on social media days prior to the final.
Pakistan Interior Minister Naqvi reportedly insisted that no other official could present the trophy or medals to the Indian team and took the trophy to his hotel room after the final. This action has further fuelled calls within India to remove him from his ACC leadership role.
Possible impact on ACC leadership
Cricket analysts suggest that a successful no-confidence vote against Naqvi could reshape the leadership dynamics of the ACC, with India likely to gain greater influence in future decision-making. The outcome hinges on the support of Afghanistan and other member boards, highlighting the delicate balance of power in Asian cricket administration.
The BCCI has not officially announced the timeline for the vote but is understood to be in consultations with its counterparts in the ACC. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing over potential reforms in the governance of Asian cricket, particularly after political tensions increasingly impacted sporting interactions.