The long-running India-Pakistan rivalry extended off the field as the Asia Cup 2025 trophy remained with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in Dubai. It is noteworthy that the trophy was not handed over to the Indian team and ACC Chairman and Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi has locked it at the ACC headquarters.
India defeated Pakistan in a thrilling Asia Cup final in Dubai on September 28. The trophy remained lying at the ACC office after the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian team refused to accept it during the post-match presentation ceremony by ACC president and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi.
Mohsin Naqvi says trophy should not be handed over without his presence
Tension has increased between India and Pakistan after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Interior Minister of Pakistan, directed that the trophy should not be transferred or handed over without his personal presence, and he wanted to present it to the Indian team or the BCCI in person.
“As of today, the trophy is still at the ACC offices in Dubai and there are clear instructions from Naqvi that it should not be transferred or handed over to anyone without his approval and personal presence,” a source close to Naqvi told PTI.
The source further said, “Naqvi has given clear instructions that only he will personally hand over the trophy to the Indian team or BCCI (whenever that happens).”
BCCI says Mohsin Naqvi had no right to personally insist on handing over trophy to Indian team
Political tension between India and Pakistan affected cricket activities. Players from both sides refused to shake hands and even exchanged politically motivated gestures during matches, reflecting the growing animosity.
Mohsin Naqvi also made inflammatory social media posts. He walked away with the winner’s trophy and no Indian or BCCI representative received it. The move was seen in India as a breach of protocol and disrespect towards the winners.
The BCCI has taken strong objection to Naqvi’s behavior and plans to raise the matter at the upcoming ICC board meeting. The Indian board may push for disciplinary action against Naqvi, potentially seeking his censure or expulsion.
“It remains to be seen what the long-term implications will be for the PCB or Naqvi as the BCCI is clear that he (Naqvi) has no right to hand over the trophy to the Indian team itself and refuse to send it to the BCCI who were the official hosts of the event,” the source said.
India won ninth Asia Cup title in Dubai
India won their record ninth Asia Cup title with a thrilling five-wicket win over Pakistan in the final in Dubai on September 28. Batting first, Pakistan were all out for 146 in 19.1 overs, with Kuldeep Yadav taking four wickets.
In reply, Tilak Verma chased down the target with an unbeaten 69 off 53 balls, while Shivam Dubey scored 33 runs off 22 balls. India successfully chased the target with two balls to spare and achieved another memorable win over their opponent.
However, the Indian players were refused an official trophy by Mohsin Naqvi. They staged a mock celebration on stage amid tensions over the administration of the tournament and India-Pakistan relations.
Also read: ‘Bad things are happening to Ishan Kishan’ – BCCI’s internal politics exposed!
