DUBAI: The underlying tensions between the cricket boards of India and Pakistan flared into a diplomatic spat within the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Tuesday after ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi rejected a demand to hand over the Asia Cup 2025 trophy. Sources told Geo News that Naqvi insisted the silverware must be collected by the Indian skipper in person.
The contentious issue arose during a routine ACC meeting in Dubai, chaired by Naqvi—who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)—where BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla repeatedly pressed for the trophy handover.
An Agenda Item Becomes a Sticking Point
Naqvi initially responded that the trophy matter was not part of the meeting’s scheduled agenda. Following further insistence, he reportedly remarked that if the Indian team desired the trophy, its captain should personally visit the ACC office to receive it. No official decision has yet been taken regarding the handover.
According to sources close to regional cricket bodies, BCCI officials, who attended the meeting virtually, reacted sharply to Naqvi’s stance. They demanded instead that the trophy be transferred to the International Cricket Council (ICC) headquarters.
Other ACC members reportedly attempted to mediate the escalating dispute, urging the Indian delegation to show restraint. However, the BCCI delegation abruptly terminated its digital feed and left the meeting.
Flashpoints from the Tournament
The row is the culmination of a series of highly publicised controversies involving the Indian team during the Asia Cup, ranging from players snubbing handshakes to the refusal to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who is the head of the ACC.
The tournament concluded with a major flashpoint when the Indian team declined to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Naqvi after defeating Pakistan in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This decision was reportedly made at the direction of the BCCI, resulting in the post-match ceremony ending without the Men in Blue lifting the silverware, a conspicuous display of the heightened tensions between the arch-rivals.
