Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Row: BCCI vs Mohsin Naqvi Sparks New Controversy

The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan, held in Dubai on September 28, was meant to be remembered for its thrilling cricket. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, chased down Pakistan’s total to lift the title with a five-wicket win. However, the on-field celebration was quickly overshadowed by an unexpected controversy involving Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, Mohsin Naqvi, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Instead of a routine trophy handover, the final turned into a dramatic spectacle that has since spiraled into a governance issue within the ACC.

Trophy Presentation Chaos

Traditionally, the ACC chairman or a chief guest presents the trophy to the winning captain. On Sunday night, when India defeated Pakistan in front of a packed Dubai International Stadium, the expected moment did not go as planned.

According to reports, the Indian players refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi due to what BCCI officials later described as a “violation of ceremonial protocols.” Left stranded at the podium, Naqvi held the trophy for several minutes before leaving the stage. Eventually, commentators, including Simon Doull, announced to the stunned crowd that the Indian team would not be taking the trophy that evening.

Trophy Handed Over to Emirates Cricket Board

The drama deepened when Naqvi was later seen leaving the venue with the Asia Cup trophy. Hours afterward, reports claimed he had handed the silverware over to the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) instead of India. The move left Indian officials fuming, as they argued that the rightful winners had been denied their moment of glory.

For the Men in Blue, the refusal to collect the trophy was not only about protocol but also about what they described as “provocative actions” by Naqvi prior to the match. One such instance included a controversial social media post linked to Naqvi that featured footballer Cristiano Ronaldo making a “plane crashing” gesture—a move Indian players reportedly found offensive.

BCCI Confronts Naqvi in Virtual Meeting

The controversy quickly moved from the field to the boardroom. During a virtual ACC meeting on Tuesday, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla and treasurer Ashish Shelar directly confronted Naqvi. Sources suggest that both officials demanded that he immediately hand over the trophy and formally acknowledge India as champions.

BCCI accused Naqvi of breaching the Code of Responsibilities and Ceremonial Protocols by withholding the trophy and medals. The board stressed that the ACC chairman’s primary duty was to ensure a dignified presentation, which was ignored in this case.

Adding to the tension, reports emerged that Naqvi had taken the trophy and medals back to his hotel room, a move the BCCI labeled “unprecedented and unacceptable.”

Indian Players Break Silence

Indian cricketers have also started speaking up about the incident. In an interview with The Indian Express, captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed disappointment, alleging that Naqvi “ran away with the trophy” instead of fulfilling his role as ACC chairman. The skipper highlighted that the Indian players had no option but to walk away, given the situation.

This sentiment echoes the growing discontent within the Indian camp, where many feel the players were denied their rightful moment of recognition on the podium.

Bigger Battle Brewing Between BCCI and PCB?

The controversy has also reignited the simmering rivalry between the BCCI and PCB, extending beyond the cricket field. While cricket fans worldwide were celebrating a thrilling India-Pakistan final, administrators are now locked in a heated debate over ceremonial responsibilities and governance ethics.

The BCCI, being the most powerful cricket board in the ACC, is now considering whether to push for Naqvi’s removal from his role as chairman. If pursued, this could mark one of the rare instances where an ACC chairman faces impeachment due to alleged misconduct at a ceremonial level.

On the other hand, supporters of Naqvi within the PCB argue that the issue is being exaggerated and that the trophy has already been secured by the rightful authorities for eventual handover to India. However, the optics of the episode have already left a dent in the ACC’s image.

What Happens Next?

As of now, it is still unclear when the Indian team will physically receive the Asia Cup 2025 trophy. The Emirates Cricket Board, which was temporarily handed the cup, is expected to coordinate with both the ACC and BCCI to ensure the matter is resolved swiftly.

Yet, questions remain: Why was the presentation not conducted smoothly? Why did the ACC chairman not follow standard protocol? And most importantly, can such governance lapses be prevented in future multi-nation tournaments?

Fans Left Disappointed

For cricket fans, especially the thousands who turned up in Dubai and millions who watched on television, the Asia Cup final ended on a sour note. What should have been a proud moment for Team India turned into confusion and controversy. Social media platforms have since been flooded with posts criticizing the handling of the event, with many calling it “one of the most bizarre trophy presentations in cricket history.”

Conclusion

India may have won the Asia Cup 2025 final with grit and determination, but the post-match chaos has sparked a debate that extends beyond the boundary ropes. As BCCI and Mohsin Naqvi lock horns, the episode underscores how off-field politics can sometimes overshadow even the most thrilling contests.

Until the trophy is formally handed to the Men in Blue, the Asia Cup 2025 will remain remembered not just for India’s victory, but for the controversy that followed.