Asia Cup Trophy Row Heats Up: Naqvi Stands Firm on Dubai Handover
The controversy surrounding the Asia Cup trophy shows no signs of cooling down. Weeks after India’s historic win in the 2023 tournament, the silverware remains in limbo—caught in a diplomatic tug-of-war between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), led by its chairman, Mohsin Naqvi.
According to recent reports, Naqvi has doubled down on his stance, insisting that a formal trophy presentation ceremony must take place—and has now officially proposed a date: November 10 in Dubai. This comes after the Indian team reportedly declined to accept the trophy during the original on-field presentation in Colombo, citing political sensitivities around the event’s location and organizers .
Why the Asia Cup Trophy Wasn’t Handed Over in Colombo
India clinched the 2023 Asia Cup by defeating Sri Lanka in a dominant final on September 17 in Colombo. However, in a move that surprised many fans and officials alike, the Indian players did not receive the trophy during the post-match ceremony. While the BCCI has never publicly detailed its reasons, multiple sources suggest the decision was rooted in the board’s discomfort with the tournament’s administration under the current ACC leadership—a body now chaired by Pakistan’s former interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi .
The optics of Indian players accepting a trophy from a Pakistani official on Sri Lankan soil, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, were deemed too sensitive by Indian cricket authorities.
Naqvi’s Proposal: A Neutral Ground in Dubai
In an effort to resolve the impasse, ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi has now formally communicated to the BCCI that a dedicated trophy ceremony will be held in Dubai on November 10. The UAE, a frequent neutral venue for India-Pakistan cricket logistics, is seen as a diplomatic middle ground.
Naqvi’s office has emphasized that the ceremony would be “dignified, private, and in line with ICC protocols,” and that it’s not merely symbolic—but a necessary procedural step to close the chapter on the 2023 edition officially.
BCCI’s Dilemma: Protocol vs. Politics
The BCCI now faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, accepting the trophy in Dubai would uphold cricketing tradition and acknowledge India’s well-earned victory. On the other, any photo-op involving Naqvi—even in a neutral setting—could spark domestic backlash.
Insiders suggest the BCCI may send a mid-level official or team manager to receive the trophy, rather than captain Rohit Sharma or head coach Rahul Dravid, to minimize political optics while still completing the formal handover.
What This Means for Future Asia Cups
This standoff isn’t just about a shiny cup—it’s a reflection of deeper fractures within Asian cricket governance. With India holding immense financial and sporting influence, its stance sends a strong message about who holds real power in regional tournaments.
If the BCCI continues to resist ACC-led ceremonies, it could set a precedent for future events, especially with the 2025 Champions Trophy (also an ACC event) looming on the horizon. Will India participate if similar administrative tensions arise?
Timeline of the Trophy Dispute
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sept 17, 2023 | India wins Asia Cup final vs Sri Lanka; trophy not accepted on field |
| Oct 2023 | Rumors surface about BCCI’s discomfort with ACC leadership |
| Early Oct 2025 | Naqvi proposes Dubai ceremony for trophy handover |
| Nov 10, 2025 | Proposed date for formal Asia Cup trophy presentation in Dubai |