The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to lodge a “very strong protest” at the forthcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting in November against Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi, who controversially walked away with the Asia Cup 2025 trophy after the Indian team refused to accept it from him. The incident occurred following India’s thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
India refuses trophy from Mohsin Naqvi
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia explained that India could not accept the trophy from Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and head of the Pakistan Cricket Board. “So far as the trophy is concerned, India cannot take the trophy from the person who is waging a war against our country,” Saikia said. He added that while the team’s refusal was firm, it did not justify Naqvi taking the trophy and medals away from the stadium.
“The act is unexpected, very childish in nature, and we will launch a very strong protest with ICC in the forthcoming meeting in Dubai in the first week of November,” Saikia stated.
Dominant performance by Team India
India’s emphatic victory was highlighted by Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69, earning him the Player of the Match award. The defending champions dominated Pakistan across all seven group-stage matches, including a 3-0 record against Pakistan in the Asia Cup.
Saikia praised the team’s unbeaten run, calling it “a big victory and a big-time cricket achievement for the country.” Despite Hardik Pandya’s absence in the final, India’s spinners and key batsmen ensured a convincing chase, overcoming an early wobble to reach 150-5 in 19.4 overs after Pakistan posted 146 all out.
Following government policy in multinational tournaments
Addressing criticism of India’s participation in matches against Pakistan amid tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, Saikia clarified that the BCCI adhered to government directives. “When it is a bilateral tournament, India is not going to play against Pakistan or any other hostile country. But in multinational tournaments such as the Asia Cup, the Indian team has to participate to avoid sanctions or bans by international federations,” he said.
Saikia emphasised that India’s victories across the tournament would bring pride and joy to the country. “With this handsome win over Pakistan and the 3-0 record, I am sure we will bring a lot of happiness to our people. The country is really proud of the performance of the Indian cricket team,” he added.
ICC protest to address trophy controversy
The BCCI’s protest at the ICC meeting is expected to formally address Naqvi’s actions, seeking the return of the trophy and medals to India. The incident has sparked widespread debate among cricket fans and officials, highlighting tensions between sporting conduct and geopolitical realities.
India’s refusal to accept the trophy is unprecedented in cricket history, and the BCCI is set to ensure that such a breach of protocol is formally addressed at the highest level.