Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Locked in Dubai: Mohsin Naqvi Insists on Personal Handover to India.
The Asia Cup 2025 cricket tournament, which culminated in a thrilling final victory by India over Pakistan on September 28, has been overshadowed not just by the on-field competition but by an extraordinary diplomatic and sporting dispute involving the coveted Asia Cup trophy.
The Controversy Unfolds
At the trophy presentation ceremony, India’s team notably refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman, who also doubles as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief and Pakistan’s Interior Minister. This refusal came amid severe political tensions between the two countries, which were further heightened by a recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
In reaction to India's refusal, Mohsin Naqvi walked away with the trophy, taking it off the presentation stage and locking it away at the ACC’s Dubai headquarters. Sources close to Naqvi have confirmed strict instructions that the trophy should not be moved or handed over without his explicit permission and physical presence.
Political Overtones and Player Hostilities
The Asia Cup 2025 was marked by ongoing hostilities off the pitch. Indian players avoided the usual post-match camaraderie with Pakistani players, refusing handshakes and engaging in gestures charged with political symbolism. Meanwhile, Naqvi himself posted politically charged statements on social media throughout the tournament, further fueling the friction.
Strong Objections and Potential ICC Action
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strongly protested Naqvi's unilateral move, stating that he had no right to hold the trophy hostage or to demand the personal delivery of the award. The BCCI is preparing to bring this matter before the International Cricket Council (ICC) and may seek Naqvi's censure or removal as a director of the ICC if deemed necessary.
What Lies Ahead?
The impasse leaves the Asia Cup 2025 trophy in a state of limbo, locked away under Naqvi’s control in Dubai. This situation is emblematic of the broader diplomatic and cricketing tensions that still exist between the two cricketing giants. As the upcoming ICC meetings approach, the cricketing world watches closely for developments that could restore decorum and sportsmanship or deepen the divide.
This episode serves as a reminder of how deeply intertwined sports and politics remain in the subcontinent and the challenges faced in maintaining the spirit of the game amid complex geopolitical rivalries.
This report highlights the current status of the Asia Cup trophy dispute and the dynamics at play between the Indian and Pakistani cricket authorities following an intense tournament marked by both sporting excellence and political tension.