Tempers flared between the BCCI and Mohsin Naqvi during the recent ACC meeting over the Asia Cup trophy dispute.
BCCI Confronts Mohsin Naqvi Over Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Controversy
Tempers flared at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting on Tuesday as the BCCI delivered a scathing critique of Mohsin Naqvi’s actions following the Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Stadium. Unprecedented scenes unfolded on Sunday, September 28, when ACC chairman Naqvi, who also heads the PCB, appeared to walk off the stadium with the trophy after the Indian team refused to accept it from him.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia announced on Monday that the board would submit a “strong” response against Mohsin Naqvi during the ICC meeting later this year. Rajeev Shukla, ACC executive board member and current BCCI vice-president, along with former BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar, strongly criticized Naqvi during the ACC session, signaling escalating tensions between the two boards.
An insider confirmed to Hindustan Times that the BCCI insisted on having the trophy delivered to India as soon as possible. Naqvi, in turn, claimed he felt “disrespected” and had no prior knowledge of India’s decision to reject the trophy.
“When the medals and the Asia Cup trophy will be handed over to India, this decision has been deferred as there was no solution found during the ACC meeting. Naqvi argued that he was disrespected and had no prior knowledge of the Indian team’s decision not to receive the trophy. He claimed the BCCI never wrote an email to him about such a situation,” sources told Hindustan Times.
“However, Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar, representing the BCCI, argued that the trophy is not a personal belonging of any individual, as it is property of the ACC, and it should be handed over to the rightful winner. Since there was no amicable solution, the decision has been deferred to another meeting,“ the source added. Internal details also suggest Naqvi complained about being made to look like a cartoon over the Sunday night incident.
Tensions between India and Pakistan were apparent throughout the eight-team tournament, exacerbated by historical and political issues. No handshakes occurred between the teams, and post-match drama reached its peak after India’s final victory, with the ceremony ending abruptly as Naqvi walked away. The trophy was reportedly removed from the dais midway through the proceedings, escorted out by another official.
Post-match presentation ceremony gets delayed
The post-match presentation was delayed for over 45 minutes after India secured a five-wicket win in the Asia Cup final, thanks to Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 off 53 balls.
The Indian team was prepared to receive the trophy from Emirates Cricket Board vice chairman Khalid Al Zarooni, but ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi insisted on personally presenting the silverware, refusing to delegate the responsibility.
Ultimately, the evening ended with Naqvi walking away from the Dubai International Stadium, seemingly taking the Asia Cup trophy to his hotel. Protocol dictates that the trophy should be at the ACC headquarters and later delivered to the BCCI office in Mumbai, but these procedures were largely ignored during the tournament.
