BCCI Officially Demands Asia Cup Trophy Return; ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi Proposes Dubai Ceremony
In a major off-field twist, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally written to Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, requesting the return of the Asia Cup trophy that India won after defeating Pakistan in the final. However, in a surprising counter-move, Naqvi has insisted on conducting a presentation ceremony in Dubai to hand over the trophy in person.
BCCI’s Official Request to ACC Chief
According to a report by India Today, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board has sent an official email to ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi demanding the trophy’s return.
India’s dominant win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final was followed by unexpected scenes when the Indian players declined to receive the trophy from Naqvi, who also serves as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman.
Although this action didn’t violate any formal rules, it left Naqvi visibly upset, as he walked off the stage carrying the trophy himself. The trophy was later stored at the ACC headquarters in Dubai under Naqvi’s orders, with strict instructions not to hand it to any BCCI representative without his consent.
ACC Chief Wants a Dubai Ceremony
As per Geo Super, Mohsin Naqvi has now conveyed his willingness to return the trophy — but only through a formal ceremony in Dubai scheduled for the first week of November.
“If you want the trophy, we can hold a ceremony where you can receive it,”
– ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, quoted by Geo Super.
The ACC is reportedly planning a symbolic handover ceremony to mark the official end of the tournament, though the BCCI has yet to confirm its participation.
This unusual diplomatic standoff has added another layer of intrigue to the ongoing tensions between the BCCI and PCB, especially after India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for last year’s continental event.
Geopolitical Undercurrents Affect Women’s Cricket Too
The ongoing India-Pakistan tensions have spilled over into the Women’s Cricket World Cup, where Indian players reportedly refrained from shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts after their recent group-stage match.
Similarly, during the Asia Cup final, Suryakumar Yadav’s men had avoided post-match handshakes, signaling the deepening strain in sporting diplomacy between the two cricketing nations.
Analysts suggest that unless the boards reconcile soon, the upcoming multi-nation events under the Asian Cricket Council might face further friction.
What’s Next?
If the BCCI declines the Dubai ceremony, it could trigger another diplomatic flashpoint within the ACC framework. The ACC chief, however, is keen to “maintain the spirit of sportsmanship” by personally returning the trophy — turning what should have been a simple formality into an international headline.
