Still no trophy: BCCI to appeal for Naqvi’s removal from ICC Board of Directors
The Asia Cup 2025 trophy controversy has intensified tensions between the BCCI and ACC, led by Mohsin Naqvi. Despite India’s victory over Pakistan on September 28, the trophy remains in Dubai.
Mohsin Naqvi. Image | @CallMeSheri1_
Last Updated: 06.13 PM, Oct 21, 2025
The ongoing Asia Cup 2025 trophy controversy has escalated tensions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), with the ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi at the center of the storm. Despite India’s hard-fought victory over Pakistan in the tournament finale at the Dubai International Stadium on September 28, the Indian cricket team has yet to receive their well-deserved Asia Cup silverware. The trophy remains inexplicably locked away at the ACC’s Dubai headquarters, as Naqvi refuses to hand it over to the rightful champions.
BCCI frustrated with Naqvi’s work
The BCCI’s frustration grew as nearly a month has passed since the conclusion of the Asia Cup, with no sign of the trophy being officially delivered.
The tournament, which included eight teams, witnessed intense and hard-fought matches, especially a fiercely contested final that saw India emerge victorious, led by Suryakumar Yadav’s stellar performances. However, the spirit of celebration has been marred by off-field controversies surrounding the trophy’s custody.
In a recent move, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the Indian board has formally written to Mohsin Naqvi, demanding the immediate handover of the Asia Cup trophy.
The letter also involves the Interior Minister of Pakistan, and a response from his office is awaited. Saikia further added that if Naqvi continues to ignore the official request, the BCCI will escalate the issue to the International Cricket Council (ICC) through formal channels. The intent is to address the matter step-by-step, adhering to established protocols while firmly pursuing justice.
India had refused to take the trophy from Naqvi
The controversy roots deeper than just the trophy dispute. Naqvi, who serves as the ACC chief, has publicly made derogatory remarks about India via his social media platforms, exacerbating the animosity. These sentiments spilled over onto the field, intensifying an already charged atmosphere, especially given the sensitive backdrop of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor that shadowed the tournament.
The initial trigger of the tension came during the September 14 opening clash, when India’s team notably refused to shake hands with Pakistan’s players before the match. This act was met with backlash from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which lodged multiple complaints to the ICC.
The PCB demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft for allegedly failing to uphold the spirit of cricket during the event. Things escalated further on September 21, when heated exchanges and provocative gestures from players such as Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan intensified the feud.
The situation climaxed on the final day, with India outright refusing to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi himself. According to reports, Naqvi ordered ACC officials to prevent the trophy from leaving Dubai premises, asserting that only he had the authority to present the winning team with the silverware. This move sparked outrage within the BCCI, especially after an acrimonious ACC meeting in which Naqvi felt disrespected and accused Indian representatives Ashish Shelar and Rajeev Shukla of treating him like a “cartoon.”
The BCCI is planning to appeal to ICC
The BCCI has made its stance clear. India deserves not only the trophy but also respect and rightful recognition as Asia Cup champions.
The board plans to raise the issue at the upcoming ICC meeting in November, where it may call for broader consequences, including Mohsin Naqvi’s potential removal from the ICC Board of Directors.