Asia Cup Trophy Standoff Deepens As BCCI And ACC Clash Over Ceremony And Collection

Sports News: Team India won the Asia Cup 2025 but the championship trophy remains in Dubai. The dispute arose after the award ceremony when Mohsin Naqvi, ACC chief and PCB chairman, accused BCCI of refusing to take the trophy directly from him. Since then, the silverware has stayed locked at ACC headquarters. Afghan and Sri Lankan boards have supported India’s stance. But Naqvi insists the trophy must be collected in person from Dubai. The disagreement has triggered a new cricketing controversy.

BCCI Rejects Naqvi’s Proposal

Naqvi wrote to the BCCI saying an official must come to Dubai to collect the trophy. He also alleged India’s refusal caused a 40-minute delay in the award ceremony. The BCCI flatly rejected this demand, stating no Indian official will receive the trophy from Naqvi’s hands. Instead, it plans to raise the issue in the upcoming ICC meeting. This marks a sharp escalation in the rift.

Naqvi Defends His Position Firmly

In his response letter, Naqvi congratulated Team India on their victory but reminded officials that they declined the trophy during the ceremony. He claimed the BCCI never formally communicated its decision beforehand. According to him, ACC officials and special guests had to wait unnecessarily. Naqvi further emphasized that the trophy belongs to India but must be taken from the ACC headquarters directly. His words suggest he will not compromise.

Politics Enters The Playing Field

Naqvi also accused BCCI of dragging politics into cricket. He argued that ACC always remained neutral in administrative matters. He said he waited on stage with dignitaries for nearly 40 minutes to protect the dignity of the event. But India’s boycott of his role ruined the ceremony. This war of words highlights deeper India-Pakistan tensions spilling into cricket administration. The trophy dispute has thus become symbolic of larger political strains.

Regional Boards Support BCCI Stand

Letters from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka boards supported India’s position. They urged Naqvi to hand over the trophy to India without further delay. Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar represented BCCI in the ACC meeting online and backed the formal demand. But Naqvi countered by saying the complaint arrived too late, just before the AGM started. His firm rejection has left the standoff unresolved.

Trophy Still Locked In Dubai

The trophy remains in the ACC Dubai office. After the final, Naqvi personally carried it away when Team India declined to accept it. This move has been criticized as unnecessary. BCCI argues the title belongs to India and should be delivered accordingly. With both sides refusing to bend, the stalemate drags on. Fans continue to question why a champion team has yet to see its trophy.

ICC Meeting To Decide Fate

With no resolution in sight, the matter is likely to be escalated to the ICC. BCCI has clarified it will not compromise with Naqvi. Former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who now heads the ICC, is expected to play a crucial role in the outcome. The standoff shows how cricket governance can become entangled in politics. Until then, the Asia Cup 2025 trophy remains locked away from its rightful winners.