The Asia Cup 2025 trophy controversy continues to make headlines as Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly proposed holding a special ceremony to present the trophy to India, which clinched the title last month. This development follows the Indian cricket team’s refusal to receive the trophy from Naqvi after their victory over Pakistan in the final on September 29.
According to sources close to the ACC, the chairman has suggested November 10 as the date for the presentation ceremony, which is expected to take place in Dubai. Naqvi, who also serves as a senior minister in Pakistan’s federal government, is said to have insisted on personally handing the trophy to the Indian team in an official setting.
India’s Refusal Sparks the Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Controversy
The Asia Cup 2025 trophy controversy began shortly after India’s win over Pakistan in the final. Following their five-wicket victory, Indian players — reportedly acting on instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) — declined to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi. The refusal caused an unusual delay of around 90 minutes in the post-match ceremony, leaving fans and officials stunned.
BCCI officials later confirmed that their decision was based on Naqvi’s role in Pakistan’s government. They argued that it would be inappropriate for an Indian team to receive the trophy from a political figure representing another country, especially amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan.
ACC’s Response and Proposal for a Ceremony
In response to the controversy, the ACC chairman maintained that as the head of the regional cricket body, he has the authority and responsibility to present the trophy to the winning team. According to reports, Naqvi sent a formal message to the BCCI suggesting that an Indian player should attend a special ceremony to collect the trophy.
Sources said Naqvi has remained firm on his stance, emphasizing that the trophy should be presented officially in keeping with ACC traditions. His proposal to hold a ceremony in Dubai reflects the ACC’s effort to resolve the Asia Cup 2025 trophy controversy diplomatically while maintaining the dignity of the tournament.
The BCCI, for its part, has also written a letter to the ACC requesting that the trophy be handed over to them as soon as possible. The board, however, has not yet confirmed whether it will send a representative to Dubai for the proposed event.
Tensions During the Asia Cup 2025
The Asia Cup 2025 trophy controversy was not the only tension-filled moment during the tournament. The event was marked by political undercurrents and strained relations between the two cricketing nations.
Several incidents during the competition drew criticism from cricket fans and analysts alike. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav faced backlash after refusing a customary handshake with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha before their group-stage clash on September 14. In subsequent matches — including the final — both teams skipped post-match handshakes and remained in separate huddles, further fueling speculation about political influence in cricketing matters.
Despite these off-field issues, the Asia Cup final showcased intense cricketing action. Batting first, Pakistan posted a modest total of 146 runs in 19.1 overs, largely thanks to Sahibzada Farhan’s fighting half-century. However, India chased down the target with five wickets to spare in 19.4 overs, sealing their victory and lifting the continental title.
Reactions from Analysts and Fans
The Asia Cup 2025 trophy controversy has sparked divided reactions across the cricketing community. Some observers criticized the BCCI for allowing political considerations to interfere with sportsmanship, arguing that the refusal to accept the trophy undermined the spirit of the game. Others, however, defended India’s decision, pointing to the tense political climate between New Delhi and Islamabad.
Sports analysts believe that Mohsin Naqvi’s proposal for a neutral ceremony in Dubai is a balanced step toward resolving the dispute. By hosting the presentation in a non-political environment, the ACC aims to preserve the prestige of the Asia Cup and ensure that such incidents do not tarnish future tournaments.
Looking Ahead
The resolution of the Asia Cup 2025 trophy controversy now depends on whether the BCCI agrees to participate in the Dubai ceremony. If accepted, it would mark the end of a month-long standoff and restore a sense of normalcy within Asian cricket administration.
However, if the Indian board declines to attend, the issue may escalate further, potentially prompting the ACC to revisit its event management protocols to prevent political sensitivities from overshadowing sporting achievements.
The Asia Cup 2025 trophy controversy has added a new chapter to the complex relationship between India, Pakistan, and the Asian Cricket Council. What should have been a moment of celebration for Indian cricket turned into a diplomatic standoff, highlighting how deeply politics and sports can intertwine in the subcontinent.
As both sides prepare for future tournaments, the cricketing world will watch closely to see whether this episode leads to greater cooperation or deeper divides. Either way, the Asia Cup 2025 will be remembered not just for India’s victory on the field but also for the off-field tensions that defined its conclusion.
