New Delhi: Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has landed in controversy following the so-called “trophy stealing” incident at the Asia Cup 2025 final. The Indian team is yet to be formally handed the Asia Cup trophy, which is reportedly with the UAE cricket board, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to push for Naqvi’s impeachment, according to sources.

Alleged breaches of protocol

The BCCI alleges that Naqvi violated several codes of conduct and ceremonial protocols. Sources claim that he refused to hand over the trophy to the Indian team, contravening the established responsibilities of the ACC Chief to honour winners at a continental sporting event. The act has been described as “embarrassing” for cricket administration and detrimental to the reputation of both the ACC and the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Critics argue that Naqvi’s actions demonstrate a conflict of interest and breach the principles of fair conduct. Reports suggest that the trophy and medals were reportedly taken to his hotel room in Dubai after he walked out of the presentation ceremony, actions which have been labelled as petulant and politically motivated.

Mixing politics with sport

Sources say the incident reflects an inappropriate mixing of national sentiment with the role of an impartial sports administrator. The BCCI claims that this sets a dangerous precedent for future sporting events and damages the credibility of regional cricket governance.

During a virtual ACC meeting on Tuesday, BCCI representatives Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar confronted Naqvi, insisting that the trophy belonged to India and that he should formally congratulate the unbeaten, Suryakumar Yadav-led side. While the ACC reportedly expressed “regret” over the incident, Naqvi has yet to issue a formal apology.

Next steps

The BCCI has signalled that it intends to escalate the matter to the ICC, with the issue expected to be raised at the upcoming ICC meeting in November. The final resolution regarding the trophy handover remains unclear, and cricket fans await clarity on when India will officially receive the Asia Cup 2025 trophy.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion in the cricketing community, highlighting the delicate balance between sports administration, politics, and protocol in high-profile international events.