Following India’s win in the Asia Cup final, the team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who is also the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman. In response, Naqvi reportedly carried the trophy and winners’ medals to his Dubai hotel room. This left the Indian players celebrating their triumph without the prized cup in hand — a sight that stunned fans across the cricketing world.
BCCI Seeks Mediation Through ACC Associates
According to reports, BCCI has engaged with other Asian Cricket Council members to mediate the situation. Naqvi has been asked to deliver the trophy to the ACC headquarters in Dubai Sports City. Once the handover happens, arrangements will be made to transport the trophy to India.
BCCI officials have criticised Naqvi’s actions as “childish and unacceptable.” A senior board source told Dainik Jagran that the incident has only strengthened India’s resolve to challenge Naqvi’s leadership role in the ACC.
Plan to Oust Naqvi from ACC Chair
The BCCI is now preparing to raise the matter at the International Cricket Council’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for November. Sources suggest that India will campaign for Naqvi’s removal from the ACC chairmanship, citing unprofessional behaviour. “Such a person should not be allowed to lead a premier cricket institution,” a BCCI insider said.
Naqvi’s Condition for Trophy Handover
Adding to the controversy, Naqvi has reportedly insisted that the trophy be handed to India only in a ceremony where he personally presents it. With cricketing ties between India and Pakistan already tense, BCCI is unlikely to accept this condition. “India will not compromise its stand for optics,” a cricket administrator told Cricbuzz.
Impact on India-Pakistan Cricket Relations
This standoff comes at a time when bilateral cricket relations between India and Pakistan remain frozen. While both teams meet only in ICC and ACC tournaments, administrative disputes like the current one risk further straining ties. The trophy saga has now escalated into a larger battle for influence within Asian cricket governance.
For Indian fans, however, the bigger concern remains whether their team will finally get to lift the Asia Cup 2025 trophy they rightfully earned on the field.