The Asia Cup 2025 final should have been a night of celebration for Indian cricket. Instead, it ended in controversy. ACC chief and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is at the center of a storm after allegedly refusing to hand over the trophy to India following their five-wicket victory over Pakistan in Dubai.
Sources say the trophy is now with the UAE Cricket Board, though it is unclear when and how India will officially receive it. The BCCI, furious over the incident, is reportedly pushing for Naqvi’s impeachment.
Breach Of Protocol And Responsibilities
BCCI insiders claim Naqvi violated ceremonial protocols by refusing to present the trophy to the rightful winners. As ACC chief, it is his fundamental duty to honour the champions. Instead, the trophy and medals were reportedly taken to his hotel room after he walked out of the presentation.
Officials argue this behavior reflects a clear conflict of interest and undermines the spirit of fair play expected from a continental cricket administrator. Many see it as letting national and political sentiment interfere with his impartial role in the ACC.
Politics In Sport
Naqvi’s actions have sparked intense criticism for mixing politics with cricket. Fans and officials alike argue that the move tarnished the reputation of both the ACC and the ICC. Experts warn that such incidents could set a dangerous precedent for future tournaments, where administrative misconduct overshadows sporting achievements.
BCCI Confronts Mohsin Naqvi
The BCCI’s stance is firm. During a virtual ACC meeting, representatives Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar confronted Naqvi directly. They demanded that the trophy be recognized as the property of the Indian team and not an individual.
The board also asked Mohsin Naqvi to formally congratulate the unbeaten, Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian side. He reportedly refused. While the ACC has expressed “regret” over the incident, no formal apology has been issued.
ICC Escalation Expected
The BCCI has made it clear that it will escalate the issue to the ICC. The matter is expected to be discussed in the upcoming ICC meeting in November. Cricket administrators and fans alike are watching closely, as the decision could impact how disciplinary measures are handled at the international level.
Many believe the episode is a reminder of how politics can infiltrate sports administration, threatening both the integrity and spirit of the game.
Implications For Cricket Governance
The Naqvi controversy highlights the need for stricter adherence to protocols in cricket governance. Observers point out that the incident could affect future interactions between the ACC, ICC, and member boards.
For the Indian team, the drama has overshadowed their historic achievement in the Asia Cup. While players celebrated on the field, off-field controversy has stolen headlines, leaving fans frustrated and the cricketing community divided.
Looking Ahead
With the trophy now in the UAE Cricket Board’s custody, all eyes are on how and when India will officially be recognized as the Asia Cup 2025 champions. Meanwhile, the BCCI’s push for Mohsin Naqvi’s impeachment and formal ICC intervention signals that administrative accountability in cricket is being taken seriously.
This episode may serve as a cautionary tale for cricket boards worldwide: respect for protocol and fairness must always prevail, even amid regional rivalries and political pressure.
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