Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai
Dubai, Nov 7: Nearly six weeks after India’s Asia Cup 2025 triumph over Pakistan, the controversy surrounding the trophy handover continues to escalate. The Indian cricket team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, is yet to receive the championship trophy after reportedly refusing to accept it from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
The bizarre post-match scene on September 28 in Dubai saw the Indian team waiting on stage as Naqvi walked away with the trophy, leaving celebrations incomplete. According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) now plans to raise the matter at the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Board meeting in Dubai this week.
Sources told Telecom Asia Sport that the BCCI has “compiled a list of charges” against Naqvi, questioning his conduct during the final and his eligibility to hold dual offices — as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and ACC President — which could breach ICC’s governance rules. The BCCI is also reportedly receiving support from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), whose ties with Pakistan have soured following a recent military strike that allegedly killed three Afghan players, prompting Afghanistan to withdraw from a tri-series in Pakistan.
Further confirmed that the BCCI intends to address the “Asia Cup trophy handover issue” during Friday’s ICC Board meeting. “As of now, nothing has emerged on the trophy handover despite a formal letter written to the ACC,” an official source told the news agency.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, speaking to IANS earlier on November 1, said the board had already written to the ACC 10 days ago, seeking clarification and resolution on the matter.
The controversy stems from the aftermath of India’s five-wicket win over Salman Agha’s Pakistan team in the Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Stadium. Following the victory, Team India refused to receive the trophy or medals from Naqvi — a move widely seen as a protest against his political position and the ongoing strain in India-Pakistan relations.
The unprecedented standoff left India celebrating its ninth Asia Cup title without the actual trophy, and despite repeated communication, the matter remains unresolved. The upcoming ICC Board meeting is now expected to play a decisive role in ending the impasse.