The head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, has made headlines once again with his latest directive regarding the Asia Cup trophy, previously won by India.
The Asia Cup 2025 trophy, which the Indian team had secured victory for, was famously taken back by Naqvi himself after India's refusal to accept it at the presentation ceremony. Currently, it sits firmly locked within the ACC headquarters in Dubai. Reports from PTI have confirmed that strict orders have been issued: the trophy is not to be moved or handed over without the President's consent.
The trophy's residence at the ACC office stems from India's refusal to accept it—a decision made after triumphing over Pakistan in the final on September 28th, in Dubai.
Mohsin Naqvi, known for being both PCB chairman and his country's interior minister, is amidst a tense standoff following the Pahalgam terrorist attack that aggravated India-Pakistan relations. A close associate of Naqvi confided in PTI, stating: 'As it stands today, the trophy remains in ACC’s Dubai office, with explicit instructions that it should not be moved or handed over without Naqvi's approval or in his presence. Naqvi has made it clear that only he will personally hand over the trophy to the Indian team or the BCCI whenever that may occur.'
India-Pakistan Tension Grips Asia Cup
Throughout the Asia Cup, tension was palpable between India and Pakistan. The tournament saw Indian players avoiding handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts, and there were fierce on-field exchanges. Naqvi also used his social media platforms to make political statements.
The BCCI has expressed a strong objection to Naqvi's action of retracting the trophy and plans to bring it up during the upcoming ICC meeting. Speculation is rife about the possible reprimands, including potentially removing Naqvi from his directorial position at ICC.
Will Action Be Taken Against Naqvi?
A source stated, 'It remains to be seen what long-term repercussions there will be for PCB or Naqvi because BCCI is clear that he had no right to personally reclaim the trophy from the Indian team nor to withhold it from BCCI, the event's official host.'
