The controversy surrounding the Asia Cup 2025 trophy presentation continues to escalate, with former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh taking a strong stance against Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi. Following India's victory over Pakistan in the final, the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). This led to a 45-minute delay and eventually, Naqvi left the venue with the trophy and medals. The trophy remains unhanded.
Harbhajan Singh criticized Naqvi, stating that he isn't "big enough to decide whether the trophy should be awarded or not". He firmly believes that the trophy rightfully belongs to India and "will come to us one day or another". Singh's comments reflect the sentiment of many Indian fans and officials who view Naqvi's actions as disrespectful and inappropriate.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed its intention to raise the matter with the International Cricket Council (ICC) during a meeting scheduled for November 2025. BCCI officials Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar reportedly confronted Naqvi during an ACC meeting, questioning his decision to take the trophy. However, Naqvi remained evasive, offering no direct answer regarding the trophy's return. He has also stated that India can collect the trophy from the ACC headquarters.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions. Some, like former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Yousuf and Basit Ali, have defended Naqvi's actions, accusing the Indian team of being overly dramatic. Basit Ali went as far as to call India's actions "third-rate". However, these views have been countered by many, including Indian all-rounder Rahul Tewatia, who asserted that "By taking the trophy back, the Pakistan team have not won it".
Adding to the controversy, Naqvi is set to receive the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Excellence Gold Medal for his role in the Asia Cup trophy handover situation. This has further fueled the fire, with critics viewing it as a glorification of inappropriate behavior.
The Asia Cup 2025 was already fraught with tension due to strained relations between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. The Indian team refrained from handshakes with Pakistani players throughout the tournament. The trophy controversy has only exacerbated the situation, overshadowing India's victory.
Amidst the controversy, Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian captain, initially stated that the team had collectively decided not to accept the trophy from Naqvi due to his political stance. However, he later clarified that the team was ready to take photos with the trophy and waited for an hour and a half.
Former India wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani expressed disappointment at the lack of sportsmanship. He criticized the provocative gestures during the matches and India's refusal to accept the trophy, calling the situation "disgusting".
The Asia Cup trophy row highlights the complex interplay of sports and politics, particularly in the context of India-Pakistan relations. While India celebrates its victory, the controversy surrounding the trophy presentation continues to simmer, with no immediate resolution in sight.
