Asia Cup 2025 ended with India lifting the title, but the real story is happening away from the pitch. The champions are yet to receive the trophy. It is still in Dubai, sparking one of the strangest controversies cricket has witnessed.
Trophy Standoff After Final
The drama began during the post-match ceremony. India refused to take the trophy from ACC president and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister. The ceremony was delayed for almost an hour before Naqvi walked away with the trophy and medals.
BCCI Demands Trophy Return
Journalist Abhishek Tripathi reported that the BCCI asked Naqvi to send the trophy to the ACC office in Dubai’s Sports City so it can be forwarded to India. Till now, there has been no reply. The trophy remains with Naqvi, creating a tense deadlock.
Neutral Presentation Options Ignored
ACC and Emirates Cricket Board officials suggested alternatives during the final. They proposed neutral figures like ECB chairman Khalid Al Zarooni or Bangladesh board president Aminul Islam to present the awards. Naqvi refused, insisting it was his right as ACC chairman.
Politics Overshadow Cricket
Naqvi’s decision turned a sporting celebration into a political row. What should have been a simple trophy handover has become a flashpoint between India and Pakistan, dragging cricket administration into diplomatic tensions.
ACC and ICC Meetings Ahead
The trophy issue will dominate today’s ACC meeting in Dubai. What was planned as a routine discussion now risks becoming an India-Pakistan clash in the boardroom. The BCCI also plans to raise the matter in the ICC meeting this November.
Trophy Overshadows Victory
Until the standoff ends, Asia Cup 2025 will be remembered not only for India’s victory on the field but also for the missing trophy drama that stole the spotlight.
