The Indian cricket team clinched the Asia Cup 2025 title by defeating Pakistan, yet a month after their triumphant victory, the coveted trophy has still not been handed over to them, while this unusual situation has become a significant concern for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which is now contemplating stern measures. Mohsin Naqvi, the Chief of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), has maintained an unyielding stance, resulting in the trophy remaining in his possession. The BCCI is hopeful that the Asia Cup trophy will reach its headquarters in Mumbai within the next one or two days. However, the board has made it clear that if this doesn't happen, it will escalate the matter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) on November 4. This potential move could spark a major controversy in the cricketing world, as the denial of a trophy to a tournament winner is widely considered to be against the spirit of the game.
BCCI's Displeasure and Secretary's Assurance
The BCCI has expressed its deep dissatisfaction over the entire sequence of events, while devjit Saikia, the Secretary of the BCCI, addressed the media regarding the issue. He stated that the board is quite unhappy with the fact that the trophy has not been handed over even after a month. Saikia emphasized that this situation is unacceptable, and the BCCI is actively pursuing the matter, while he also revealed that approximately 10 days prior, the BCCI had sent a formal letter to the President of the Asian Cricket Council, requesting the prompt handover of the trophy. Despite this official communication, Mohsin Naqvi's position has reportedly remained unchanged, and the trophy is still with him. Nevertheless, Saikia assured the Indian public that the BCCI is fully prepared to handle this situation and that the trophy will undoubtedly return to India, even if a specific timeline can't be provided. His statement underscores the BCCI's firm resolve to secure what rightfully belongs to its team.
An unexpected incident unfolded during the trophy presentation ceremony after the Indian team defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final. The Indian cricket team players reportedly refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi. According to reports, Naqvi insisted on presenting the trophy himself, but the Indian players stood firm in their decision not to receive it from him. Following this refusal, Naqvi allegedly became angry and left the venue, taking the trophy with him, while subsequent reports indicated that he had the trophy locked away in a room at the ACC office. This incident further exacerbated the already palpable tension between the Indian and Pakistani teams on the field. Throughout the tournament, there was considerable friction between players from both sides, with Indian players reportedly. Not shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts, and several on-field altercations nearly escalating into full-blown confrontations. This underlying tension is believed to be a significant contributing factor to the current trophy dispute.
Naqvi's Unyielding Stance and Lack of Resolution
Mohsin Naqvi continues to maintain his rigid stance, insisting that while the trophy can be handed over to India, he will personally present it. The BCCI has officially requested the return of the trophy, but Naqvi is reportedly sticking to his position, suggesting that the Indian players could collect it in person at a future event, while however, the BCCI doesn't appear to be agreeable to this proposal, as no formal resolution has been reached thus far. Naqvi's attitude is seen as contrary to established sports protocols and traditions, where the winning team is typically presented with its trophy immediately after the final. Due to this impasse, more than a month has passed, and the Asia Cup trophy has yet to reach India. The BCCI is now preparing to raise this issue with the ICC, which will elevate the dispute to an international platform and potentially compel the global cricketing body to intervene. The coming days will reveal whether Naqvi alters his stance or if the BCCI is indeed forced to approach the ICC for a resolution.
