Asia Cup 2025 trophy remains in limbo as India awaits rightful possession
The Asia Cup 2025 trophy is at the centre of a major controversy after the Indian cricket team refused to accept it from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi. India had defeated Pakistan in the final and remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, winning all three encounters against their neighbours. However, the trophy has not yet reached the victorious team.
According to reports, the trophy is currently with the UAE Cricket Board. The decision comes after India raised concerns in a virtual ACC meeting on September 30 over Naqvi’s behaviour during the trophy presentation. Naqvi, who is also the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Interior Minister of Pakistan, had allegedly walked out of the presentation ceremony, taking the trophy and medals to his hotel room in Dubai. This move sparked widespread criticism and questions about whether he should continue as ACC chief.
Also Read
The Indian cricket team refused to take the trophy from Naqvi because of his political position and his actions during the ceremony. While Indian players accepted their individual awards from other dignitaries, the team did not acknowledge Naqvi, and the runners-up cheque was accepted by Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha. The ACC chairman did not formally congratulate the Indian players, prompting a tense post-match situation.
ACC sources have said that diplomatic discussions are ongoing to bring the trophy to India. However, no formal date has been announced for when the trophy and medals will reach the winning team. The trophy remains under ACC supervision in the UAE for now, pending resolution, reports said.
Calls for impeachment
BCCI officials have raised serious objections against Naqvi for allegedly violating ACC protocols and failing to honour the winning team. Sources indicate that some BCCI members are pushing for his impeachment, citing a conflict of interest and breaches of fair conduct. Naqvi’s actions are considered a mixing of politics and sport, which has damaged the reputation of the ACC.
During the ACC annual general meeting, BCCI representatives urged that the trophy be handed over to India, but Naqvi did not agree and suggested the matter be discussed separately. The ACC has expressed regret over the situation but has not confirmed any formal apology from Naqvi.
What happens next
The Asia Cup 2025 trophy remains in limbo, and the BCCI has indicated it will escalate the matter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) at its upcoming conference in November. Diplomatic back-channel talks are ongoing to ensure the trophy and medals reach the Indian team, but no timeline has been confirmed. Meanwhile, the controversy has raised questions about ACC protocols, the role of politics in sport, and the future of Naqvi’s leadership.
Published: 01 Oct 2025, 04:58 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.