The drama surrounding the 2025 Asia Cup final in Dubai continues, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly forced Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi to congratulate India for their victory in the tournament. According to sources, BCCI members demanded that Naqvi return the missing trophy to the ACC headquarters in Dubai.
During the ACC meeting, which took place on Tuesday, BCCI representatives Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar insisted that Naqvi acknowledge India’s win and hand over the Asia Cup trophy. Naqvi, who also serves as the Pakistan interior minister, initially refused to give up the trophy, stating that as the ACC chief, he should be the one to present it.
Shukla, who is the Executive Board Member for BCCI on the ACC Board, and Shelar, the BCCI’s Ex-Officio Board Member, threatened to escalate the issue to the International Cricket Council (ICC) level if Naqvi did not comply. Shelar even boycotted the meeting in protest of Naqvi’s actions.
The controversy began after India defeated Pakistan in a thrilling final match, with Naqvi allegedly taking ‘personal possession’ of the Asia Cup trophy and leaving the post-match presentation ceremony prematurely. The Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, citing his anti-India stance and controversial social media posts.
Despite suggestions from India to have the trophy presented by other officials, Naqvi remained adamant that he alone should hand over the silverware. This led to a standoff where Naqvi and ACC officials left the stage with the trophy, while the Indian team celebrated their victory without it.
Reports now indicate that Naqvi is willing to return India’s trophy and medals, but insists on an ‘official function’ to be organized for the handover. The BCCI, however, continues to push for the immediate return of the Asia Cup trophy to the ACC headquarters. The situation remains tense as both sides stand firm on their positions, with the ICC meeting in November looming as a potential battleground for further discussions.
