Mohsin Naqvi, head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is embroiled in a significant controversy following a contentious incident at the conclusion of the Asia Cup 2025 final. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly pushing for his impeachment, stemming from his failure to present the trophy to the victorious Indian team. This action by the BCCI is fueled by allegations of multiple breaches of conduct and protocol, which members argue have severely damaged the reputation of cricket administration within both the ACC and the International Cricket Council (ICC). The Asia Cup trophy has reportedly been transferred to the UAE cricket board, with its eventual handover to India currently uncertain.
Key grievances are being highlighted by a dissenting faction within the BCCI, led by officials who recently confronted Naqvi during a virtual ACC meeting. These officials assert that Naqvi`s actions constitute an abuse of office and a blatant disregard for established sporting standards and ethics.
Naqvi is accused of violating the Code of Responsibilities and Ceremonial Protocols due to his refusal to award the Asia Cup trophy to the winning Indian team. Critics contend that this refusal breached fundamental ceremonial duties expected of the ACC Chief to honor victors, leading to considerable embarrassment for all parties involved.
Furthermore, his conduct suggests a potential conflict of interest and breaches of fair conduct. The controversial act of withholding the trophy is widely perceived to stem from personal or political resentment, thereby compromising the impartiality expected from a continental cricket leader. Reports indicating that the trophy and medals were taken to his hotel room in Dubai after he abruptly left the presentation ceremony have been characterized as an act of petulance within the cricketing community.
Naqvi`s actions are also seen as an inappropriate mixing of politics and sport, allowing nationalistic sentiments to interfere with his role as an impartial head of a regional governing body. This behavior has reportedly tarnished the reputations of both the ACC and the ICC, setting a concerning precedent for future sporting events and administrations.
BCCI`s Firm Stance in ACC Meeting
During a recent virtual ACC meeting, BCCI representatives Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar directly challenged Naqvi regarding the incident. Officials from the BCCI firmly reiterated that the trophy rightfully belonged to the legitimate winners, India, and was not the personal property of any individual.
Additionally, the BCCI formally requested Naqvi to congratulate the undefeated Indian side, led by Suryakumar Yadav, a request he reportedly declined. While the ACC has conveyed its “regret” over the incident, Naqvi has yet to issue a formal apology for his actions.
The BCCI has made it clear that they intend to escalate this critical issue to the International Cricket Council, with discussions anticipated at the forthcoming ICC meeting scheduled for November.
