Following a contentious end to the Asia Cup 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly planning to pursue sanctions against Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), within the International Cricket Council (ICC). The BCCI intends to bring the matter to the ICC, potentially seeking Naqvi's censure and even his removal as an ICC Director.

The controversy stems from the Asia Cup final on September 28, where India defeated Pakistan. However, the post-match presentation was significantly delayed, and the Indian team ultimately refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi. This unprecedented situation arose amidst already heightened tensions between the two nations.

According to reports, Naqvi then took the trophy to the ACC headquarters in Dubai and instructed that it not be moved or handed over without his express approval. Sources close to Naqvi claim that he intends to personally hand over the trophy to the Indian team or the BCCI at a later time.

BCCI sources have strongly criticized Naqvi's behavior, asserting that he had no right to insist on personally handing the trophy to the Indian team, especially as the BCCI were the official hosts of the event. BCCI representatives, including Secretary Devajit Saikia, have stated that the Asia Cup title is not Naqvi's personal property and should be returned to India. The Indian board believes that Naqvi breached neutrality and fair ceremonial conduct, undermining the integrity of the ACC tournaments. They also suggest a conflict of interest, given Naqvi's simultaneous roles as Pakistan's Interior Minister, PCB Chairman, and ACC President.

The BCCI views Naqvi's actions as politicizing cricket administration, which is inconsistent with the ACC's requirement for impartial governance. They argue that Naqvi, on behalf of the Pakistan government, has undermined India's rights as champions by denying them the rightful handover of the trophy, setting a "dangerous precedent of politicized discrimination".

The situation has sparked considerable debate within the cricketing world. Former England captain Michael Atherton suggested that the ICC should no longer arrange fixtures to ensure India and Pakistan meet at every tournament, given the animosity and controversy that has arisen. He argued that cricket has become a proxy for broader tensions and propaganda, and there is little justification for a serious sport to arrange tournament fixtures to suit its economic needs.

It remains to be seen what long-term ramifications this incident will have for Naqvi, the PCB, and relations between the two cricketing nations. The BCCI is expected to formally raise the matter at the upcoming ICC board meeting. The discussions will likely include a move to censure Naqvi or even seek his removal as an ICC Director.