Tensions flared at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting on Tuesday as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) grilled Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi over the controversial handling of the Asia Cup trophy following India’s victory in the final.
Trophy Standoff Sparks Diplomatic Row
India defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup final on September 28, yet the customary trophy presentation ended in chaos. The Indian team refused to accept the trophy and medals from Naqvi, who insisted on retaining them, sparking a 90-minute delay at Dubai International Stadium. Videos circulated showing ACC officials taking the trophy away, reportedly to Naqvi’s hotel.
At Tuesday’s ACC meeting in Dubai, BCCI representatives Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar demanded answers from Naqvi regarding his handling of the trophy. Shukla reminded the ACC chief that the trophy belongs to the Council, not to him personally, and called for a proper handover to India.
Naqvi Avoids Accountability
According to sources present at the meeting, Naqvi repeatedly “beat around the bush” and initially refused to congratulate India on their tournament win. It was only after Shelar intervened that he extended formal congratulations. On the trophy issue, Naqvi remained non-committal, declining even to send it to the ACC office for the BCCI to collect.
“This is unprecedented,” said an ACC official familiar with the proceedings. “Naqvi had ample opportunity to address the matter but didn’t acknowledge India’s victory or the proper presentation of the trophy. It was frustrating for the Indian delegation.”
BCCI’s Firm Stance
The Indian cricket board has made it clear that it will escalate the issue to the International Cricket Council (ICC). Secretary Devajit Saikia and Shelar emphasized that the trophy and winners’ medals must be handed over without further delay. The deadlock prompted a brief protest logout from the BCCI representatives, highlighting the board’s frustration with Naqvi’s refusal to cooperate.
The meeting concluded with a plan for the five full ACC Test-playing nations—India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan—to convene separately and attempt to resolve the impasse. Meanwhile, other agenda items, including elections and youth tournament schedules, were deferred due to the tense exchange.
Asia Cup Trophy Fiasco: A Timeline
- September 28: India defeats Pakistan in the Asia Cup final. The Indian team declines to accept the trophy and medals from Naqvi.
- Post-match: Trophy reportedly taken to Naqvi’s hotel; India offered to accept it from Emirates Board vice-chair Khalid Al Zarooni but were denied.
- September 30: ACC meeting sees BCCI representatives confront Naqvi; formal congratulations for India secured only after intervention. Trophy handover remains unresolved.
The incident has further strained Indo-Pak cricket relations, adding to the backdrop of political tensions between the two nations. The BCCI is expected to formally lodge a complaint with the ICC during its upcoming meetings in Dubai.
Looking Ahead
With the ACC deferring a resolution to a smaller conclave of full-member boards, the Asia Cup trophy saga remains unresolved. For now, India’s on-field triumph is overshadowed by an off-field controversy, leaving fans and players alike waiting for closure.