The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to escalate the ongoing dispute surrounding the Asia Cup trophy handover to the International Cricket Council (ICC), following what it describes as a lack of response from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed on Saturday that the matter will be formally presented during the ICC meeting scheduled to begin on 4 November in Dubai. The issue stems from India’s refusal to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who serves as both the ACC Chairman and Pakistan’s Interior Minister.
Background of the Incident
The controversy began during the post-match presentation ceremony following India’s Asia Cup triumph. In an unprecedented move, Indian players declined to receive the trophy from Naqvi, prompting visible confusion on stage. An official subsequently removed the trophy from its position on the dais and took it away without any formal explanation.
This diplomatic stand-off has since drawn attention across the cricketing world, highlighting the tension between the two cricket boards.
BCCI’s Firm Position
Speaking to ANI, Saikia reaffirmed India’s stance:
“We approached the ACC and sent a letter ten days ago, but there has been no positive response. We are maintaining our position. Therefore, we will raise the issue at the ICC meeting. The trophy will come, that is certain, as it has been rightfully won by India — only the timeline needs to be decided.”
He further clarified that India’s objection is directed personally at Naqvi:
“If we had to accept it from him, we would have done so on the day of the final. Our position is clear — we are not accepting the trophy from that gentleman. There is no change in our stance.”
India’s Light-Hearted Celebration
Despite the diplomatic deadlock, the Indian team found a way to celebrate their success. Captain Suryakumar Yadav recreated former skipper Rohit Sharma’s memorable slow walk after the 2024 T20 World Cup final, this time lifting an imaginary trophy alongside his teammates — a playful gesture that drew laughter and applause from fans worldwide.
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Issue | Asia Cup Trophy Handover Controversy |
| Raised by | BCCI (Secretary Devajit Saikia) |
| Opposing Body | Asian Cricket Council (ACC) |
| ACC Chairman | Mohsin Naqvi (also Pakistan’s Interior Minister) |
| Forum for Discussion | ICC Meeting, Dubai |
| Meeting Start Date | 4 November 2025 |
| India’s Position | Trophy accepted, but not from Naqvi |
| Latest Communication | Formal letter sent 10 days prior to statement |
| Symbolic Celebration | Suryakumar Yadav’s mock trophy lift |
The episode adds another chapter to the complex relationship between Indian and Pakistani cricket authorities, intertwining sporting rivalry with diplomatic sensitivities — even in moments of victory.