BCCI Slams Mohsin Naqvi Over Asia Cup Trophy Row

2025-09-29

The Asia Cup 2025 ended in Dubai with India celebrating yet another unbeaten tournament run, crowned by a convincing win over Pakistan in the final. But instead of headlines praising the cricket, it was a post-match controversy that dominated global attention.

The spotlight fell on Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, and chief of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). During the presentation ceremony, India’s players refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy directly from Naqvi, citing his political role and Pakistan’s hostile stance toward India.

In response, Naqvi walked off the stage with the trophy and medals instead of handing them to the victorious side.

The move stunned many, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which described Naqvi’s action as "childish, unexpected, and completely against the spirit of the game."

The BCCI has since confirmed it will lodge a formal protest with the International Cricket Council (ICC) in November, setting the stage for a diplomatic and sporting dispute that could reshape cricket administration in Asia.

Asia Cup 2025 Ends in Trophy Drama

India’s performance in the tournament was nothing short of dominant. The team won all their matches, including a clinical victory over Pakistan in the final, reinforcing their status as Asia’s top cricketing force. However, the atmosphere of celebration quickly soured at the closing ceremony.

When the time came for the presentation, Naqvi insisted on personally awarding the trophy to the Indian captain. The players, following instructions from the BCCI, refused to approach him. Instead, they stood aside, waiting for a neutral ACC official to take over the duty. But that handover never happened.

Naqvi, visibly upset, walked away from the stage carrying the Asia Cup trophy and medals. What followed was confusion on the ground and outrage in Indian cricketing circles. For a team that had fought hard to lift the title, the absence of silverware during their celebration was both symbolic and deeply disappointing.

Why India Refused the Trophy from Naqvi

The BCCI has made its reasoning clear: accepting the trophy from Naqvi was never an option. As BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia explained, "Naqvi is not just the ACC chief; he is also a senior Pakistani political leader representing a country openly hostile and waging war against India. It was completely unacceptable for our players to be put in that position."

Saikia added that the players had no objection to receiving the trophy from another ACC representative but that Naqvi "insisted on presenting it himself." That insistence, combined with India’s refusal, created the standoff. Instead of resolving the matter diplomatically, Naqvi chose to leave with the trophy.

To many within the BCCI, this was a blatant violation of both ACC protocol and the spirit of sportsmanship. Saikia described it as "unsportsmanlike conduct that goes against everything cricket stands for.

BCCI Reacts: "Childish and Unexpected"

The BCCI wasted no time in condemning Naqvi’s actions. In official statements and media briefings, the board’s tone was sharp and uncompromising.

Saikia labeled Naqvi’s move "childish and completely unexpected from someone holding such a senior position in cricket administration."
He emphasized that "once a team has won, the trophy belongs to them. To deny them that moment of recognition is deeply unfair and unacceptable."
The BCCI also confirmed that it would escalate the issue to the ICC, with a formal complaint set to be filed in Dubai in November.

The board has also hinted that it may push for Naqvi’s removal from his role as ACC chairman, arguing that his conduct proves he cannot act as a neutral and responsible administrator.

Political Undercurrents in Cricket

Cricket between India and Pakistan has always been more than just a game. Political tensions frequently spill onto the field, and the Asia Cup has often been a stage where these tensions play out.

No bilateral cricket: India and Pakistan do not play bilateral series due to political hostilities. Their encounters are limited to multinational tournaments like the Asia Cup or ICC events.
Government clearance required: The BCCI follows Indian government policy, meaning any match involving Pakistan requires explicit approval from New Delhi.
Naqvi’s dual role: By serving simultaneously as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and ACC chairman, Naqvi’s credibility as a neutral figure in Asian cricket governance has been questioned.

This incident has therefore fueled calls for structural reforms within the ACC, ensuring that no single nation’s political representatives wield excessive influence in cricket administration.

Broader Implications for ICC and ACC

The trophy fiasco is more than just a one-off controversy. It raises critical questions for cricket’s governing bodies:

Can political leaders hold top cricketing posts? Naqvi’s conduct highlights the conflict of interest when political figures double as cricket administrators.
What safeguards exist for fair play? The absence of clear rules on presentation protocols allowed the situation to escalate.
How will ICC respond? If the ICC sides with India, it could set a precedent that forces administrators to remain politically neutral.

For the ICC, the November meeting will be a test of its authority. Failing to act decisively could undermine its credibility at a time when cricket’s global governance is already under scrutiny.

Historical Parallels in India-Pakistan Cricket

This is not the first time cricket between India and Pakistan has been overshadowed by politics:

2008 Mumbai attacks: Bilateral cricket ties were suspended after the attacks, and have never fully recovered.
2019 Pulwama incident: The BCCI publicly pressured the ICC to ban Pakistan from the World Cup, though the demand was not accepted.
Asia Cup hosting disputes: India refused to travel to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup, leading to a hybrid hosting arrangement.

The 2025 trophy row adds another chapter to this fraught history, reinforcing the notion that cricket remains deeply entangled with politics in South Asia.

What Happens Next?

The immediate next step is the ICC meeting in Dubai in November, where the BCCI will present its case. The demands are expected to include:

A formal apology from Mohsin Naqvi.
The return of the Asia Cup trophy and medals to India.
Clearer protocols for future presentations, ensuring that neutral officials handle sensitive situations.

The outcome could reshape not just India-Pakistan cricketing ties but also the balance of power within the ACC. If Naqvi is forced out, it would mark a significant diplomatic victory for the BCCI and its allies.

FAQ

Why did India refuse to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi?

Because Naqvi is Pakistan’s Interior Minister as well as ACC chief, the BCCI considered it inappropriate and politically charged for him to present the trophy.

What exactly did Naqvi do after India’s refusal?

Instead of asking a neutral ACC official to present the trophy, Naqvi walked away with the trophy and medals, taking them to his hotel.

How did the BCCI react?

The BCCI strongly condemned the act as "childish, unsportsmanlike, and against sporting spirit," and announced it will lodge a formal protest with the ICC.

Could Naqvi be removed from the ACC?

Yes. Several BCCI officials are pushing for his ouster, arguing that his political role and recent behavior disqualify him from serving as a neutral cricket administrator.

How does this incident affect India-Pakistan cricket relations?

It deepens mistrust, making bilateral cricket ties even less likely. It also ensures that political tensions will continue to overshadow multinational tournaments.

Will India eventually receive the Asia Cup trophy?

The BCCI expects the trophy and medals to be returned, but the timing will depend on the outcomes of the ICC and ACC meetings.

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