After Asia Cup 2025 victory, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) accuses Mohsin Naqvi—also head of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC)—of withholding the trophy; issue to be raised at the International Cricket Council (ICC) board meeting in Dubai.
The 2025 edition of the Asia Cup has been overshadowed by a major off-field controversy. India defeated Pakistan in the final of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai, but the winner’s trophy has not yet been handed to the champions.
Key Facts
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India swept to victory over Pakistan and claimed the title, yet during the post-match presentation, the Indian players refused to accept the trophy because it was to be handed over by Mohsin Naqvi — the PCB chairman, ACC president and Pakistan’s Interior Minister.
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The BCCI’s secretary, Devajit Saikia, called the act “extremely unfortunate and unsportsmanlike” and confirmed that India’s board will raise the matter formally with the ICC.
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Naqvi, in turn, has stated that the trophy will only be handed over at a special ceremony — proposed for 10 November in Dubai — and insisted India’s team or captain must collect it from the ACC’s office.
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Reports indicate the trophy remains locked at the ACC headquarters in Dubai under instructions that it must not be handed over without Naqvi’s personal approval.
Why It Matters
Though the competition on the field delivered a thrilling spectacle, particularly India’s resilient win, the post-match procedure has triggered diplomatic-style tensions between cricket boards. The refusal to take the trophy from a Pakistani official and Naqvi’s insistence on personal oversight underline how broader regional relations can spill over into sport.
What Happens Next
The ICC board meeting in Dubai becomes the next battleground. The BCCI is expected to lodge a formal complaint and press for an immediate transfer of the trophy to India’s custody. Meanwhile, the PCB and ACC appear dug in on their respective positions.
Inclusive Language Note
The issue is framed around boards and officials, not individual players’ intent or character. India’s players are recognised for their achievement; the focus is on how governance and process are affecting the outcome.
