BCCI Appeals to ICC as Asia Cup Trophy Row with Mohsin Naqvi Escalates
The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan was more than just a cricket match; it was a historic clash. After 41 long years, the two arch-rivals met in an Asia Cup final, and India emerged victorious, claiming their ninth Asia Cup title. Yet, while the players celebrated runs and wickets, this edition of the tournament will be remembered as much for the chaos off the field as the action on it. At the centre of the controversy lies a missing trophy, which has sparked widespread discussion and debate in the cricketing world.
The Trophy Controversy
In an unprecedented turn of events, the post-match presentation did not take place on the field. India posed for group photographs without the trophy, and Pakistan’s captain, frustrated by the situation, tossed his runners-up cheque in apparent disappointment.
The controversy centres around Mohsin Naqvi, who serves as both Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman. Initial reports suggested that the Indian team refused to accept the trophy directly from Naqvi due to political sensitivities. The unusual scenario quickly caught the attention of social media, with many posting sarcastic reels and even AI-generated images of “imaginary trophies” to mock the situation.
Now, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is demanding the trophy be returned. While Mohsin Naqvi has proposed holding a formal handover ceremony, requesting that officials and at least one Indian player attend, the BCCI insists that the trophy belongs to the winning team and should be placed in India’s custody.
The BCCI’s formal mail underscores the urgency of the situation and indicates that, should Naqvi fail to comply, the ICC may need to intervene to ensure the trophy reaches the rightful winners.The incident has captured the attention of cricket fans across the subcontinent. Many expressed support for India’s position, arguing that the winning team deserves the trophy immediately rather than waiting for a formal function.
Meanwhile, the controversy highlights how politics and protocol can sometimes overshadow sport, even in high-profile tournaments like the Asia Cup.Social media reactions ranged from amusement to frustration, with fans creating content mocking the absence of the trophy, calling it one of the most bizarre post-match situations in cricket history.
The Asia Cup trophy dispute has broader implications for governance in international cricket tournaments. It raises questions about how trophies are handled, the role of governing council officials, and the rights of winning teams. Many believe that a swift resolution will not only honour India’s achievement but also reinforce fair and transparent practices in cricket administration.
As the trophy saga continues, all eyes are on the ACC and ICC to see how the situation is handled. For now, India’s players can continue to celebrate their ninth Asia Cup title, but the absence of the trophy has left a gap in the celebrations. Cricket fans and officials alike are waiting for a resolution, whether through a formal handover in November or an intervention by the ICC to ensure that India finally receives the trophy it rightfully earned.
BCCI has sent a formal communication to the ACC and ICC, urging them to intervene if necessary. The board’s stance is clear: India earned the trophy on the field, and it should reside in the BCCI’s cabinet, not under the control of the ACC or PCB.Naqvi has suggested that the trophy be handed over in a ceremony scheduled for early November. While this proposal offers a solution, the BCCI maintains that the trophy must be returned without unnecessary conditions, emphasising that it was India’s hard-earned victory and not a matter of ceremony.
