Controversy Brews as Mohsin Naqvi Holds Asia Cup Trophy, BCCI Reportedly Considers ICC Action

The aftermath of the 2025 Asia Cup is witnessing a growing controversy, with reports suggesting that Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), may face severe repercussions for his actions following the tournament final. India's victory over Pakistan on September 28 has been overshadowed by a dispute over the Asia Cup trophy, which remains unhanded to the Men in Blue.

According to reports, Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan's Interior Minister, took the trophy from the presentation stage after the Indian team refused to accept it from him. Tensions between the two nations were already high due to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, leading to strained relations during the tournament. Indian players avoided handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts, and both sides allegedly engaged in political gestures on the field.

Sources indicate that Naqvi has instructed that the trophy remain at the ACC headquarters in Dubai and not be moved or handed over without his express permission. He has reportedly stated that he will personally hand over the trophy to the Indian team or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The BCCI has taken strong exception to Naqvi's behavior, viewing it as a breach of protocol and detrimental to the spirit of the game. The Indian board reportedly plans to raise the matter formally at the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting in November. Discussions are likely to include possible sanctions against Naqvi, including a formal censure or even a move to remove him from his position as an ICC Director.

Some reports suggest the BCCI believes Naqvi's conduct has "severely damaged the reputation of cricket administration" regionally and globally. His politically charged remarks on social media during the tournament have also drawn criticism.

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has criticized Naqvi, stating that he is not a big enough figure to prevent the trophy from being awarded to India. He emphasized that India's victory and unbeaten run in the tournament are more significant than the trophy controversy.

The ongoing situation has sparked widespread debate and criticism, with many questioning Naqvi's motives and the impact of his actions on the relationship between the two cricketing nations. While Naqvi has remained silent on the issue, the BCCI is expected to take a firm stance at the ICC meeting to address what they perceive as a serious breach of protocol and sportsmanship.

The controversy surrounding the Asia Cup trophy highlights the deep-seated tensions between India and Pakistan and the challenges of maintaining neutrality and sportsmanship in international cricket. It remains to be seen what action the ICC will take and how this incident will impact the future of Indo-Pak cricket relations.