Overview:
The situation became more complicated after Naqvi set conditions for handing over the trophy.
The ongoing dispute over the Asia Cup trophy continues, with Mohsin Naqvi, head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC), still in possession of the trophy. Sources told NDTV that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a new warning to Naqvi, demanding he return the trophy or face escalation to the International Cricket Council (ICC) at next month’s meeting.
The issue began when the Indian team declined to accept the trophy from Naqvi at the post-match ceremony in Dubai, citing geopolitical tensions and Naqvi’s influential role in the Pakistani government. Naqvi took the trophy and medals away.
The situation became more complicated after Naqvi set conditions for handing over the trophy. BCCI insiders confirmed that his request for a formal event where India’s T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, personally collects the trophy is not feasible. The Indian board insists that the trophy and winners’ medals should be sent directly to the ACC headquarters for official handover.
India’s stance reportedly has the backing of cricket boards from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Despite this, Naqvi remains firm.
Officials from BCCI have reiterated that the trophy belongs to the ACC and is not a personal possession of any individual.
With no signs of compromise, this dispute is expected to move to the global stage. According to NDTV, BCCI intends to raise a formal protest at the ICC meeting in Dubai this November, condemning Naqvi’s behaviour during the final and his refusal to ensure the timely return of the trophy and medals to the Indian team.
The ACC chief had previously said he felt embarrassed during the Asia Cup presentation when the Indian team did not approach him to receive the trophy.
