The Asian Cricket Council (ACC), under the leadership of Mohsin Naqvi, has reportedly expressed its regret concerning the controversy surrounding the Asia Cup 2025 trophy. Naqvi, who serves as the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and is a significant political figure in Pakistan, faced criticism from two Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials. These officials confronted him regarding his decision not to present the Asia Cup trophy to the victorious Indian team following the final match last Sunday. Sources indicate that the ACC conveyed its `regret` over the incident, acknowledging that it could have been prevented. However, it`s also understood that Naqvi has not issued a formal apology for his actions during the trophy ceremony.
Further reports suggest Naqvi is scheduled to travel to Lahore today, with the fate of the Asia Cup trophy and winners` medals remaining uncertain. Naqvi reportedly took the trophy and medals to his hotel room in Dubai after an abrupt departure from the presentation ceremony on Sunday, where they have remained since.
Amidst this ongoing stalemate, diplomatic back-channel discussions are reportedly underway to facilitate the trophy`s transfer to India.
BCCI Raises Concerns at ACC Meeting
During a virtual ACC meeting held on Tuesday, BCCI representatives Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar voiced strong objections to Mohsin Naqvi`s conduct.
“Shukla and Shelar unequivocally emphasized that the trophy belongs to the winning team and is an ACC asset, not an individual`s possession. Naqvi avoided a direct refusal but rather deferred responsibility,” a source was quoted as saying in a report.
The source further revealed that “Naqvi insisted the matter should not be debated in the Annual General Meeting (AGM) but addressed separately later. Even the agenda item to elect a Vice-Chairman was postponed.” It was also noted that Naqvi initially failed to congratulate BCCI members on India`s Asia Cup victory, only doing so after being prompted by Shelar to acknowledge the unbeaten performance of the Suryakumar Yadav-led team.
“At the meeting`s outset, Chairman Naqvi briefly congratulated Nepal for their win against the West Indies and Mongolia for becoming an ACC member, then concluded his remarks. It was then that Shelar questioned, `Why are you not congratulating India for their Asia Cup title?` He compelled Naqvi to offer congratulations, and the PCB chief subsequently complied,” the source went on to say.
The BCCI has indicated its intention to escalate the issue to the International Cricket Council (ICC), whose next meeting is scheduled for November.
“Shukla and Shelar proposed that the ACC retain the trophy at its office, from where the BCCI would arrange collection. They affirmed, `We demand the trophy as the rightful winners.` Naqvi continued to sidestep the issue without directly refusing,” the source added.
The source also recounted that Naqvi, while awaiting the Indian team on the podium, felt “like a cartoon” and was embarrassed, with the BCCI making it clear they would lodge a complaint with the ICC, prompting Shelar to briefly leave the meeting.
