BCCI to lodge strong protest with ICC over Mohsin Naqvi's Asia Cup trophy controversy
BCCI Set To Lodge Protest With ICC Over ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi's Controversial Asia Cup Trophy Act
In a highly unusual and stirring episode at the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai, the Indian cricket team refused to accept the prestigious trophy from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi. The incident culminated in Mohsin Naqvi walking out of the stadium with the trophy and medals, sparking immediate outrage from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which is now set to lodge a strong protest with the International Cricket Council (ICC) at their upcoming conference in Dubai.
The Incident and Immediate Aftermath
India's unforgettable victory over Pakistan in the final, chasing down a modest 147 with two balls to spare, was overshadowed when the time came for the traditional trophy presentation. Mohsin Naqvi was to present the trophy and medals as ACC chairman and head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The Indian team had previously communicated their refusal to receive the trophy from a prominent political figure of a country with which India has serious geopolitical tensions.
Despite extended discussions, the Indian players remained steadfast, declining to accept the trophy on the field.
After a delay spanning nearly an hour, the trophy and medals were taken off the stage without presentation, and Mohsin Naqvi exited the stadium with them.
The atmosphere was marred by crowd chants of patriotic slogans and visible disappointment from fans on both sides.
Official Statements from BCCI
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia explicitly condemned the act, emphasizing the principled stand of the Indian team:
“We decided not to take the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who is not just the ACC chairman but a senior minister of Pakistan involved in actions considered hostile. That does not mean he has the right to take away the trophy and medals with him. This is extremely unfortunate and unsportsmanlike.”
He further expressed that BCCI will raise this issue as a serious matter at the ICC conference in Dubai scheduled for November.
Geopolitical Undercurrents
The incident cannot be divorced from the wider political context. The tournaments unfolded amid simmering India-Pakistan tensions:
Earlier gestures such as the Indian team avoiding handshake traditions and photo opportunities with Pakistani players in protest over specific geopolitical events.
Social media escalations, with Mohsin Naqvi posting inflammatory content regarding military skirmishes that deeply offended the Indian camp.
The Indian team's firm stance to disengage from symbolic interactions with Pakistan reflected the national sentiment.
ICC and ACC Response
While the ICC has not yet officially commented, significant pressure mounts on the governing bodies to review protocols ensuring neutrality and non-politicization in cricket administration.
The ACC’s insistence on Mohsin Naqvi conducting the trophy presentation contradicted the Indian team's discomfort.
Discussions about revisiting the processes around trophies and presentations in politically sensitive tournaments have begun.
Impact on Global Cricket
This unprecedented event raises important questions:
How can cricket administrations balance political sensitivities with the sport's global image?
What measures should be in place to prevent future disruptions?
How does such an incident affect player morale and fan engagement?
Looking Ahead
The trophy currently remains with Mohsin Naqvi, and the BCCI is actively seeking its return. The incident is likely to dominate discussions at the ICC's upcoming meetings.
India’s impressive unbeaten run and comprehensive victory in the tournament stand in contrast with the off-field controversies, highlighting the complex intersection of sport and international relations.