Following India’s victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final, a significant controversy has emerged. Mohsin Naqvi, the Chief of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), took the Asia Cup trophy and the Indian team’s medals to his hotel. This action has drawn strong criticism from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The incident came to light when BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia issued a statement expressing disapproval of Naqvi’s actions, emphasizing that even if the Indian team did not want to receive the trophy from him, it did not authorize him to take it away. Saikia stated that Naqvi’s behavior went against the spirit of the game.
During the presentation ceremony, Naqvi was present on stage. However, the BCCI decided not to accept the trophy from him, and instead, was prepared to receive it from the Vice-Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board. Naqvi, seemingly upset by this decision, took the trophy and the Indian team’s medals to his hotel, reportedly stating that the Indian team did not need to be given the trophy.
BCCI is now considering taking action regarding Naqvi’s conduct. Secretary Devajit Saikia strongly condemned Naqvi’s actions, explaining that India was at war with the country from which the ACC chairman hails. Therefore, the BCCI could not accept the trophy from a representative of that nation. Saikia expressed surprise at Naqvi’s behavior, stating that the refusal to accept the trophy did not mean he was authorized to take it away. He demanded the immediate return of the trophy to India. The BCCI intends to strongly protest the events at the prize distribution ceremony and seek appropriate action.