Asia Cup Trophy Locked In Dubai: Naqvi Refuses To Hand Over To India

Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has secured the Asia Cup trophy at the ACC headquarters in Dubai, instructing officials not to release it or hand it over to India without his presence. This unusual decision came after the Indian cricket team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi following their victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final on September 28, 2025. Traditionally presented to the winning team immediately after the match, the trophy now remains in Dubai under strict instructions that only Naqvi can deliver it to the Indian team or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at a later date.

The standoff reflects rising Indo-Pak tensions, especially after the Pahalgam terror attack and the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the tournament. During the final, Indian players avoided handshakes with Pakistani counterparts and opted out of the usual trophy presentation ceremony due to diplomatic sensitivities. Naqvi reportedly carried the trophy off the stage himself and emphasized on social media that he intends to present it to India personally, further intensifying the controversy.

The BCCI and Indian team viewed Naqvi's actions as a breach of protocol. The issue is expected to be discussed at an upcoming ICC meeting, where there may be calls for censure or even removal of Naqvi from his ICC roles. For now, the Asia Cup trophy remains locked at the ACC office, symbolizing the ongoing tensions between the cricket boards and mirroring broader diplomatic strains between India and Pakistan.