The Indian cricket team's refusal to accept the Asia Cup 2025 winners' trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan's interior minister and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has ignited a major controversy. The incident occurred after India's victory over Pakistan in the final at the Dubai International Stadium. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly planning to strongly protest Naqvi's actions and demand his ouster at the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) conference in November.

The Refusal and its Reasons

The Indian team's decision stemmed from several factors, including strained political relations between India and Pakistan and Naqvi's controversial social media activity. Throughout the tournament, the Indian squad avoided handshakes and pre-toss photo opportunities with Pakistani players, signaling their stance.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated that India could not accept the trophy from a person representing a country "waging a war against our country". He also condemned Naqvi for taking the trophy and medals with him after the ceremony, calling it "unsportsmanlike" and expressing hope for their return. Saikia announced that the BCCI would lodge a strong protest against Naqvi's actions at the ICC conference in November.

Adding to the tension, Naqvi had previously shared provocative videos on social media, including one depicting a crashing plane and another showing Pakistani cricketers in flight suits with fighter jets, which were perceived as mocking India. These actions were viewed as unbecoming of an ACC president and further fueled the Indian team's decision.

The Aftermath and Reactions

The presentation ceremony was delayed by over an hour due to the standoff. Simon Doull, the presenter, announced that the Indian team would not be collecting their awards. While individual awards were presented, the main trophy was kept aside and later removed from the stage.

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed his shock at the situation, stating he had never seen a winning team denied its trophy. He emphasized that the team's refusal was a collective decision. After the official ceremony concluded, the Indian team staged a mock celebration on the field, with Suryakumar mimicking Lionel Messi's 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy walk.

The incident sparked strong reactions from the Indian team, who felt denied their hard-earned prize. The BCCI has taken strong exception to Naqvi's conduct and is expected to push for his removal as ACC chairman at the ICC conference.

BCCI's Stance and Potential Action

The BCCI's stance reflects its long-standing policy of not engaging in bilateral cricket with Pakistan due to the prevailing political climate. The board views Naqvi's actions as a breach of protocol and sportsmanship, warranting a strong response.

Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, has also previously raised objections to the PCB's plans to promote the Champions Trophy in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), citing concerns over territorial integrity and political interference in sports.

The BCCI is expected to argue that Naqvi's dual role as a Pakistani minister and ACC chairman compromises the council's neutrality and undermines the spirit of the game. The board will likely call for his removal to ensure that the ACC can function without political bias.

Conclusion

The Asia Cup 2025 trophy controversy has brought the strained relationship between Indian and Pakistani cricket to the forefront. The BCCI's strong stance against Mohsin Naqvi underscores the deep-seated political tensions that continue to affect sports. As the ICC conference approaches, the cricket world awaits the outcome of the BCCI's protest and its potential impact on the future of the ACC leadership.