Naqvi refuses to apologise, invites India to ACC office as Asia Cup trophy remains unclaimed.
The Asia Cup 2025 trophy remains unclaimed as ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi insisted he has “done nothing wrong” and invited the Indian cricket team to collect it from the continental body’s head office. The remarks come amid a tense standoff following India’s emphatic win over Pakistan in the final.
Trophy controversy escalates
Also Read
India defeated Pakistan in the final, remaining unbeaten in all three encounters during the tournament. Yet, the Suryakumar Yadav-led team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who is also Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and Pakistan’s Interior Minister. Reports indicate the trophy is currently with the UAE Cricket Board.
The decision followed India raising concerns during a virtual ACC meeting on September 30 over Naqvi’s conduct at the presentation ceremony. He allegedly walked out with the trophy and medals to his hotel, while Indian players accepted individual awards from other dignitaries but did not acknowledge him. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha accepted the runners-up cheque.
Naqvi’s stance
In a post on X, Naqvi rejected claims that he had apologised to BCCI officials. “As ACC President, I was ready to hand over the trophy that very day and I am still ready now. If they truly want it, they are welcome to come to the ACC office and collect it from me,” he wrote.
"Let me make it absolutely clear: I have done nothing wrong and I have never apologised to the BCCI nor will I ever do so," Naqvi added, emphasising his position despite growing criticism.
BCCI protests
Ashish Shelar and Rajeev Shukla, representing the BCCI at the ACC AGM, lodged strong objections over the trophy not being handed to India. Naqvi indicated he was willing to deliver it, but no resolution was reached during the meeting, leaving the BCCI further aggrieved.
The BCCI is preparing to escalate the matter to the ICC, which is scheduled to meet in November, underlining the concerns over politics in sport and ACC leadership.
Context of India-Pakistan tensions
India and Pakistan met three times in the tournament, with India winning each encounter. India maintained a ‘no handshake policy’ during the event, which drew sharp criticism from the PCB.
The broader hostilities between the neighbours have intensified after the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 Indian tourists were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists. India responded with military action under 'Operation Sindoor' to dismantle terror infrastructure across the border, adding further tension to cricketing relations.
Published: 01 Oct 2025, 07:04 pm IST
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.