Asia Cup Trophy Belongs to India, But Remains with ACC Amidst Dispute
Following a letter from the Sri Lankan and Afghanistan Cricket Boards regarding the presentation of the Asia Cup trophy to India, ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi has issued a statement addressing the controversy.This came after the BCCI reportedly warned against Naqvi presenting the trophy following India’s victory in the Asia Cup 2025.
Naqvi confirmed receipt of the letter dated September 30, 2025, received just prior to the ACC Annual general Meeting (AGM) held on the same date at 3:00 pm (UAE timing). The BCCI was represented online at the AGM by Rajeev Shukla and Ashish shelar. He stated the issue was discussed during the AGM, but felt clarification was necessary given the letter circulated to ACC members.
“First of all, I congratulate the Indian cricket team for winning the Asia Cup 2025, as I had done in the first AGM also,” Naqvi said. He also acknowledged the BCCI’s emphasis on “traditions, established practices, the rules of cricket and the fundamental elements of integrity of the game,” expressing a hope that these sentiments would be “enthusiastically displayed on the field.”
Naqvi detailed that the BCCI did not share any official communication with the ACC office or tournament director regarding the award distribution ceremony. He explained that during the ceremony, a BCCI representative informed him that the Indian team would not accept the trophy and awards from his hands, leading to a delay as efforts were made to resolve the situation.
Accusing the BCCI of introducing “politics into the game,” Naqvi affirmed the ACC’s neutrality. “As ACC chief, I waited for about 40 minutes along with other distinguished guests so that the dignity of the awards ceremony was maintained and it was not adversely affected by politics, but it was in vain.”
He stated, “The ACC Trophy undoubtedly belongs to the Indian cricket team and will be preserved until a BCCI official and the available players come to Dubai ACC Headquarters to take it from my hands.”
The matter is now expected to be raised at an upcoming ICC meeting, with former BCCI secretary Jay Shah currently serving as the ICC Chairman. The Asia Cup 2025 trophy is currently held at the ACC headquarters in Dubai, having been retained by Naqvi after the Indian team declined to accept it from him at the ceremony. Naqvi holds the positions of ACC Chairman, President of the Pakistan Cricket Board, and Home Minister of Pakistan.
