New Delhi– Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi continues to hold the Asia Cup 2025 trophy in his Dubai office, refusing to hand it over to the Indian cricket team without a personal handover ceremony, escalating tensions between India and Pakistan in the cricketing sphere.

Naqvi’s stance on the Asia Cup trophy

Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister, removed the Asia Cup trophy from the post-final presentation ceremony in Dubai after India’s victory, sparking controversy. Since then, he has denied multiple requests from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to transfer the trophy.

Naqvi insists that the trophy will only be handed over in person, a condition that the BCCI has refused to meet, citing logistical and diplomatic concerns.

Response to BCCI’s official letter

In an official reply to the BCCI’s letter dated September 30, 2025, Naqvi congratulated the Indian team for their win but criticised the team for not acknowledging him during the ceremony.

“Receipt of your letter dated September 30, 2025, is acknowledged. The BCCI was represented online at the ACC Annual General Meeting (AGM) by Mr Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar. This matter was discussed in detail during the AGM; however, since you have circulated this letter to ACC members, it is only appropriate to set the record straight,” Naqvi wrote.

He further expressed that India’s letter was ‘slanderous and digressing’ and emphasised that the ACC office will not indulge in petty politics regarding the matter.

“There was never any official communication shared with the ACC office or the Tournament Director highlighting any position or concern of the BCCI with respect to prize distribution. It was only when the ceremony was about to take place that the BCCI’s representative conveyed that the Indian Cricket Team would not be receiving the Asia Cup Trophy and awards,” he added.

Calls for an official Dubai ceremony

Naqvi reiterated that the BCCI must organise an official ceremony in Dubai if it wishes the Indian team to receive the trophy. His firm stance has reportedly boosted his popularity in Pakistan, while creating friction with Indian cricket authorities.

The BCCI has yet to respond formally to Naqvi’s insistence, leaving the Asia Cup trophy issue unresolved.

Background

The incident has attracted significant attention in both cricketing nations. Traditionally, trophies are handed over immediately following finals, but Naqvi’s decision to remove the trophy and insist on a personal handover has been widely debated by media and cricket experts alike.

India won the Asia Cup 2025, and players, including Suryakumar Yadav, were scheduled to receive medals and the trophy during the post-match ceremony, which was disrupted by the ongoing dispute.

Conclusion

The standoff over the Asia Cup trophy highlights the continuing political and administrative tensions in South Asian cricket. Fans, players, and cricket boards await a resolution that respects both sporting protocol and diplomatic sensitivities.