The ongoing saga surrounding the Asia Cup 2025 trophy has intensified, with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi refusing to release the silverware to the victorious Indian team. Despite repeated requests from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), supported by the cricket boards of Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, Naqvi remains firm. He is insisting that the BCCI organize a presentation ceremony and send a representative to collect the trophy from the ACC headquarters in Dubai.

The BCCI has rejected this proposal and is planning to escalate the matter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) at their upcoming meeting. Sources within the BCCI have stated that Naqvi's demands are unacceptable. They maintain that the Asia Cup trophy belongs to India and should be handed over without further delay.

The controversy began after India's win against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final. The Indian team declined to accept the trophy from Naqvi during the post-match ceremony, citing heightened geopolitical tensions and Naqvi's role as Pakistan's Interior Minister. In addition, the Indian team chose not to shake hands with Pakistani players throughout the Asia Cup in solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Naqvi, in turn, took the trophy away, leading to the current standoff.

BCCI officials, including secretary Devajit Saikia and ACC representative Rajeev Shukla, have formally requested the trophy's handover. Saikia stated that the BCCI is proceeding "step by step" and will involve the ICC if necessary. The BCCI is also reportedly prepared to lodge a formal protest against Naqvi's conduct during the final and his refusal to hand over the trophy and medals to the Indian team.

Naqvi, however, remains resolute. He has suggested holding a formal ceremony in Dubai on December 10 to present India with the trophy. He has also said that if India truly wants the trophy, they are welcome to collect it from the ACC office. Some reports indicate that Naqvi felt slighted after the Asia Cup final, claiming he was made to look like a "joker" on the dais.

The situation has created a deadlock, with neither side willing to concede. The BCCI views Naqvi's actions as disrespectful and a violation of protocol. They insist that the trophy should be presented to the team without conditions. The PCB, on the other hand, seems intent on maintaining a formal process, possibly to underscore the significance of the event and ensure proper recognition.

As the standoff continues, the Asia Cup trophy remains in the ACC headquarters in Dubai. The BCCI is reportedly considering all options, including appealing for Naqvi's removal from the ICC Board of Directors. The ICC meeting in November is expected to be a crucial point in resolving the dispute. The outcome will likely have implications for the relationship between the cricket boards of India and Pakistan and the future of ACC events.