ACC President Mohsin Naqvi has once again refused to send the Asia Cup trophy across the border, ordering the BCCI to organize a presentation ceremony in India and send a player to the ACC headquarters to receive the trophy in person.
This controversy started when India defeated Pakistan in a thrilling match in the Asia Cup final., In protest against Naqvi’s provocative actions, Indian players decided not to accept the trophy from the hands of ACC chief.,
BCCI had earlier urged ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to insist that the Asia Cup trophy belongs to IndiaBCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla stressed that the trophy should be awarded to deserving champions India.
BCCI intends to take Asia Cup trophy dispute to ICC
As the deadlock continued, the BCCI sent an official email to Mohsin Naqvi demanding the Asia Cup trophy, which the Indians were entitled to after winning the tournament. Board secretary Devjit Saikia told India Today that they are waiting for a response, and if not, the matter will be escalated to the ICC.,
Saikia said, “We are taking step by step and will continue to take the matter forward.” BCCI also got support from the boards of countries like Sri Lanka and Afghanistan as they jointly requested Mohsin Naqvi to release the trophy.
Mohsin Naqvi asks BCCI to receive Asia Cup trophy in person
In response, Mohsin Naqvi sent a detailed letter to the BCCI acknowledging India’s achievement. Emphasizing the ACC’s neutral stance on political matters, the ACC President wrote in return:
“Receipt of your letter dated September 30, 2025 is acknowledged. This letter was received just before the commencement of the ACC Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for 3:00 pm (UAE time) on September 30, 2025.”
“BCCI was represented online at the AGM by Shri Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar. The matter was discussed in detail during the AGM; however, since you have circulated this letter to ACC members, it is appropriate to set the record straight.”
“First of all, we must congratulate you and the Indian cricket team on winning the Asia Cup 2025, as the ACC President did earlier in the AGM.”
“The ACC President is extremely appreciative and pleased to note the emphasis you have placed in your letter on long-standing customs, traditions, established practices, cricket protocols and fundamental elements of sporting integrity.”
“We wholeheartedly wish that such expressions are not limited to the terminology used in the letter but are also strongly reflected on the field of play.”
Mohsin Naqvi criticized politicization of cricket
However, the ACC also criticized the implication of politicization of cricket:
“As for the remainder of your letter, even though it is reprehensible and a departure from the same values you highlight, the office of the ACC President will not engage in petty politics aimed at silencing select extremist groups.”
“No official communication highlighting any position or concern of the BCCI regarding prize distribution was shared with the ACC office or the Tournament Director.”
“When the ceremony was about to take place and the distinguished guests had taken their places on the stage, the BCCI representative informed that the Indian cricket team would not be receiving the Asia Cup trophy and awards.”
The letter also emphasized the ACC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the event:
“The ACC President waited for about 40 minutes with the distinguished guests to ensure that the integrity of the presentation ceremony was preserved and not adversely affected by politics, but in vain.”
“The ACC Trophy rightfully belongs to the Indian cricket team and is held in trust until the BCCI office holder, along with any available participating players, can receive it from the ACC President.”
“Such a collection will, of course, be accompanied by much fanfare and coverage, ensuring that there will be no deviation from established practices and no precedent will be set that undermines the spirit of the game we all love.”
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