Dubai: ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi sets condition for India’s trophy
The 2025 Asia Cup ended in dramatic fashion not just on the field but also off it, as a power tussle between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi over the presentation of the trophy continues to make headlines.
India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the final held at Dubai International Stadium, clinching the eight-team tournament. However, the post-match ceremony turned controversial when Naqvi insisted on personally presenting the trophy to the winning Indian team. According to reports, the Indian camp, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi due to his past anti-India statements and provocative social media posts.
Naqvi’s condition for medal distribution
As per Cricbuzz, ACC President Mohsin Naqvi has communicated that India can receive their medals only if a formal function is organised where he can present the awards personally. However, BCCI sources suggest that this condition is unlikely to be met, leaving the trophy handover in limbo.
The insistence by Naqvi has resulted in no immediate resolution, and there is currently no clarity on when the ACC will ensure the Asia Cup trophy reaches BCCI headquarters in Mumbai.
Post-match presentation chaos
The refusal of the Indian team led to a 45-minute delay in the post-match proceedings. While individual awards for players like Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Kuldeep Yadav were distributed, the team was not handed the trophy. Meanwhile, Pakistan players received their runners-up cheques and medals.
The situation escalated further when Naqvi, seeking to maintain the spotlight, walked away from the stadium without presenting the title to India. Simon Doull, hosting the ceremony, announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, I have been informed by the ACC that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight. So that does conclude the post-match presentation.”
ACC caught off-guard
The Asia Cup organizers admitted that they did not anticipate India’s refusal to accept the trophy from Naqvi, given the Indian team’s decision not to interact with the Pakistan camp throughout the tournament. Naqvi’s repeated anti-India remarks and provocative posts added to the tension, creating an unprecedented scenario for the ACC.
Sources indicate that the Indian side, in consultation with BCCI officials in Mumbai, had already decided against engaging with Naqvi during the final ceremony. The ACC, despite efforts to mediate, failed to preempt the situation, resulting in the dramatic conclusion.
The road ahead
The ACC now faces the challenge of ensuring the Asia Cup trophy reaches India without breaching protocol or escalating tensions. With no party willing to compromise, the handover could be delayed further, keeping the saga in the news. Cricket enthusiasts and officials alike are awaiting a resolution, as the incident highlights the complex intersection of sportsmanship, diplomacy, and administration in international cricket.