Asia Cup Trophy Row: BCCI Takes Fight to ICC
India’s historic Asia Cup 2025 triumph has been overshadowed by a diplomatic and administrative firestorm. Despite lifting the trophy on the field, Team India still hasn’t officially received it—thanks to a standoff involving Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
What Sparked the Controversy?
The drama unfolded moments after India’s victory in the final. Citing long-standing political tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian team declined to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) .
Naqvi, visibly upset, walked off the stage with the trophy—an unprecedented move that left fans and officials stunned . Since then, the gleaming Asia Cup has remained locked away in the ACC headquarters in Dubai.
Why Won’t Naqvi Release the Trophy?
According to multiple reports, Naqvi is insisting that a BCCI representative must personally travel to Dubai to collect the trophy . This condition has been firmly rejected by the Indian board, which views it as both impractical and politically charged.
“The trophy belongs to the champions. It should be handed over with dignity, not used as a bargaining chip,” a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying .
Regional Support for India
India isn’t standing alone. Cricket boards from Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have also urged Naqvi to release the trophy without preconditions . Their support underscores growing regional concern over the politicization of cricket administration.
BCCI’s Next Move: ICC Escalation
Fed up with the stalemate, the BCCI has confirmed it will escalate the matter at the next International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting . Some reports even suggest the board is exploring formal impeachment proceedings against Naqvi for breaching the neutrality expected of an ACC president .
Timeline of the Trophy Dispute
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct 12, 2025 | India wins Asia Cup; refuses trophy from Naqvi |
| Oct 13–18 | BCCI requests trophy delivery; Naqvi demands in-person pickup in Dubai |
| Oct 19 | Sri Lanka & Afghanistan back India’s stance |
| Oct 21, 2025 | BCCI confirms ICC escalation |
Why This Matters Beyond Cricket
This isn’t just about a silver cup. It’s about institutional integrity. The ACC, as a continental body under the ICC, is expected to remain neutral—especially when hosting tournaments involving politically sensitive rivalries like India-Pakistan . By intertwining his dual roles as PCB chief and ACC president, Naqvi has blurred those lines, raising serious governance questions.
For Indian fans, the delayed trophy handover feels like a slight against their team’s hard-earned victory. For the global cricket community, it’s a test of whether sport can remain above politics.
What’s Next?
All eyes are now on the upcoming ICC meeting. If the council sides with BCCI, Naqvi could face sanctions or even removal from his ACC post . If not, the precedent could embolden further politicization of cricket events.
One thing is clear: until the trophy is officially handed over, India’s Asia Cup 2025 win will remain incomplete—not on the field, but in the record books.