The Asia Cup 2025 ended in unprecedented controversy after the Indian cricket team refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi following their victory over Pakistan in the final on September 28. The trophy remains locked at the ACC headquarters in Dubai with instructions that it should not be moved or handed over without Naqvi’s personal approval.
BCCI raises objections
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strongly objected to Naqvi’s action and plans to raise the matter at the upcoming ICC meeting next month. Sources suggest the BCCI may demand that Naqvi be censured or even removed as an ICC Director, citing that he had no right to personally insist on presenting the trophy to the Indian team or withholding it from the BCCI, which officially hosted the event.
“It remains to be seen what the long-term ramifications for the PCB or Naqvi will be. The BCCI is clear he overstepped his authority,” a source told PTI.
Trophy still under Naqvi’s control
Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Interior Minister, instructed that only he would hand over the trophy in person, whenever that happens, to either the Indian team or the BCCI. The decision comes amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Indo-Pak tensions overshadow Asia Cup
The entire tournament was marked by political tension, with Indian players refusing to shake hands with Pakistani counterparts throughout the tournament. Both teams engaged in politically charged gestures, and Naqvi himself made political statements on social media, adding to the controversy.
The situation has sparked debate over the politicisation of cricket in the region and raised questions about the role of sports administrators in maintaining neutrality during international events.