Tensions flared at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in Dubai, following India's Asia Cup victory over Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly lashed out at Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief and ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi regarding the post-match trophy presentation.
India secured a thrilling five-wicket win against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final held in Dubai. However, the aftermath of the victory was marred by controversy when the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi. This decision stemmed from the fact that Naqvi also serves as Pakistan's Interior Minister, and in light of recent events, including a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, the Indian team was unwilling to receive the trophy from a representative of a nation currently at odds with India.
Following India's refusal, Naqvi reportedly took the trophy with him, leading to a delay in the presentation ceremony and preventing the Indian team from celebrating their victory with the silverware. This action was widely criticized as unsportsmanlike, with BCCI officials condemning Naqvi for "illegally retaining the trophy".
At the ACC meeting, the BCCI, represented by vice-president Rajeev Shukla and former treasurer Ashish Shelar, raised strong objections to Naqvi's actions. Shukla reportedly grilled Naqvi, asserting that the Asia Cup trophy is the property of the ACC, not an individual, and demanded that it be handed over to the winning team. Sources indicate that Shukla stated that the trophy should be handed over to the winning team and it doesn't belong to an individual.
Naqvi, in his defense, claimed that he was not informed in writing about the Indian team's decision to refuse the trophy from him. He also expressed feeling "disrespected" and like he was made to look like a "cartoon". Furthermore, reports suggest that Naqvi refused to congratulate the Indian team for their Asia Cup victory during the ACC meeting, instead congratulating Nepal and Mongolia on their induction into the ACC.
The BCCI has taken a firm stance on the issue, with officials stating they are willing to escalate the matter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) if necessary. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has announced that the board will lodge a "very serious and strong protest" against Naqvi's actions at the upcoming ICC conference in Dubai in November. Saikia also criticized PCB for not allowing India to celebrate with the trophy.
Adding fuel to the fire, Naqvi responded to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's congratulatory tweet with a politically charged statement. Modi's tweet, which referenced "Operation Sindoor on the games field," seemingly alluded to India's retaliation against terrorist camps in Pakistan following a terror attack in Pahalgam. Naqvi retorted, "If war was your measure of pride, history already records your humiliating defeats at Pakistan's hands. No cricket match can rewrite that truth". He accused the Indian camp of playing with the "spirit of the game" and stated that dragging war into sports "only exposes your desperation and disgraces the very spirit of the game".
Despite the controversy, the BCCI remains adamant that the Asia Cup trophy rightfully belongs to the Indian team and is taking all necessary steps to ensure it is handed over in a proper manner.
