The controversy surrounding the Asia Cup 2025 trophy has escalated, with Mohsin Naqvi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president, at the center of the storm. Following India's victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final on September 28, 2025, a series of events unfolded, leading to a diplomatic standoff between the cricket boards of the two nations.

Reports emerged that the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi due to strained geopolitical relations. The team was reportedly willing to receive the trophy from the Emirates Cricket Board's vice-chairman, but this request was allegedly denied. Consequently, the trophy was removed from the presentation podium, and the post-match ceremony concluded without the winning team receiving their prize.

Naqvi has refuted claims that he apologized to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the trophy presentation incident. He has accused the Indian media of spreading "fabricated propaganda" and maintained that he did nothing wrong. In a statement, Naqvi asserted his readiness to hand over the trophy, stating, "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".

However, tensions remain high, with reports suggesting that the BCCI is considering pushing for Naqvi's impeachment as ACC chief. Sources indicate that Naqvi's actions have been perceived as a violation of the Code of Responsibilities and Ceremonial Protocols, as he allegedly refused to hand over the Asia Cup trophy to the winning Indian team. It has also been reported that the BCCI strongly condemned Naqvi's conduct during an ACC meeting, with officials criticizing him for taking the trophy and medals to his hotel room without a proper handover.

Amid the ongoing dispute, the Asia Cup trophy has reportedly been handed over to the UAE cricket board. The circumstances surrounding the handover and the timeline for the trophy's delivery to the Indian team remain unclear. The incident has drawn strong reactions from various quarters, with some accusing Naqvi of "ruining cricket" and others condemning the politicization of the sport. The controversy has further strained the already tense relationship between the Indian and Pakistani cricket boards, with concerns raised about the impact on future tournaments and collaborations.

The BCCI has reportedly raised strong objections to the fiasco, with officials emphasizing that the Asia Cup trophy belongs to the ACC and not to the PCB chief. The board has also expressed its disappointment over the unsportsmanlike conduct and has called for the trophy and medals to be returned to India as soon as possible. The ACC has been contacted for comment, but has yet to release a statement.