Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Controversy: BCCI Pushes for ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi’s Removal After ‘Trophy Stealing’ Act
New Delhi: A Trophy Row That Shook Asian Cricket
The aftermath of the Asia Cup 2025 final has spiraled into a major administrative crisis after Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), allegedly refused to hand over the championship trophy to the victorious Indian team.
What began as a post-match presentation delay has escalated into a full-blown governance scandal, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) now lobbying for Naqvi’s impeachment. According to sources, the trophy is currently in possession of the UAE Cricket Board, with no clarity on when it will be formally presented to India.
Timeline of Events
- September 28, 2025 – India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, defeats Pakistan in the Asia Cup final, securing the continental title.
- Presentation Ceremony – Naqvi reportedly refuses to hand over the trophy to Indian players, leaving the stage abruptly.
- September 29 – Reports emerge that the trophy and medals were taken to Naqvi’s hotel suite in Dubai instead of being handed to the winners.
- September 30 – Social media footage circulates showing Pakistani officials carrying the trophy away from the venue.
- October 1 – BCCI confronts Naqvi during a virtual ACC meeting, demanding answers and immediate handover of the trophy.
- October 2 – Sources confirm the trophy is now with the UAE Cricket Board. Naqvi has apologized privately but refused to return the cup, instead leaving for Lahore.
BCCI’s Strong Reaction
During the emergency virtual ACC meeting on Tuesday, senior BCCI representatives Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar openly confronted Naqvi.
According to sources, Shukla told Naqvi:
“The trophy belongs to the Indian team, not to any individual. This is not just a breach of protocol but a violation of sporting spirit.”
The BCCI delegation demanded that Naqvi not only hand over the trophy but also formally congratulate the Indian side, which remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. However, Naqvi allegedly refused, deepening tensions within the ACC.
The BCCI has now signaled its intent to escalate the issue to the International Cricket Council (ICC) at its upcoming meeting in November.
Allegations Against Mohsin Naqvi
Breach of Protocol
Naqvi’s refusal to present the trophy has been deemed a direct violation of ceremonial responsibilities as the ACC chief. Such duties include honoring the winners and ensuring smooth conduct of official ceremonies.
Abuse of Office
Officials allege that Naqvi’s actions represent an abuse of position, placing personal or political grievances above his responsibilities to the Asian cricketing body.
Conflict of Interest
As PCB Chairman, Naqvi’s refusal has been interpreted as a case of conflict of interest, undermining his neutrality in a continental role.
Political Overtones
Analysts suggest the controversy reflects the mixing of politics with sport, a dangerous precedent in cricket administration.
Damage to ACC and ICC’s Reputation
Observers warn that the controversy risks undermining the credibility of both the ACC and the ICC. The refusal to hand over the trophy, followed by the mysterious disappearance of medals, has sparked outrage among fans and players alike.
Sports analyst Harsha Bhogle, speaking to Indian media, remarked:
“This is not about India or Pakistan anymore. This is about governance. The ACC President’s actions have embarrassed the game of cricket.”
Naqvi’s Response
While Naqvi reportedly offered a private apology to the BCCI, he has not issued a public statement or returned the trophy. According to Pakistani media, he left Dubai for Lahore on Wednesday morning, further fueling speculation about his intentions.
Sources close to Naqvi have suggested he acted in protest against what he perceived as biased treatment of PCB concerns during the tournament. However, this explanation has not been officially confirmed.
Implications for Asian Cricket
- Administrative Fallout: If impeachment proceedings move forward, this could set a precedent for stricter accountability within cricket’s governing bodies.
- Bilateral Relations: With India and Pakistan already struggling to maintain sporting ties, the controversy risks widening the rift.
- Fan Sentiment: Millions of fans across Asia have expressed anger on social media, demanding that the trophy be returned to its rightful winners.
- ICC Oversight: The ICC is likely to intervene if the matter is not resolved within the ACC, raising questions about continental autonomy.
A History of Ceremony Controversies
This is not the first time cricket has seen presentation ceremony controversies. In 2018, a domestic trophy handover in Pakistan drew criticism after officials prioritized political leaders over players. However, never before has a continental event like the Asia Cup witnessed the outright withholding of the main trophy.
What Happens Next?
The ACC is expected to hold another round of consultations this week. Meanwhile, the BCCI has prepared a formal complaint that will be presented at the November ICC Board meeting in London.
If Naqvi refuses to step down, a no-confidence motion could be introduced, with member boards voting on his removal.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The Asia Cup 2025 trophy controversy has quickly escalated from a ceremonial lapse to a full-scale governance crisis. By refusing to hand the trophy to the Indian team, ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi has placed personal politics above the spirit of the game, risking the credibility of Asian cricket.
While the BCCI’s demand for impeachment signals how seriously India views the incident, the larger issue is about restoring trust in cricket administration. The ICC’s response in November will be critical in deciding whether such breaches are tolerated or penalized.
For now, the image of an absent trophy overshadows India’s unbeaten triumph—a reminder that in cricket, as in governance, respect for process is as important as the result itself.