Dubai: The ongoing dispute between Team India and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Mohsin Naqvi over the Asia Cup trophy remains unresolved. Nearly two weeks have passed since India triumphed over Pakistan in the final, securing the Asia Cup title for a record ninth time, yet the Indian team has yet to receive the trophy or their winning medals. Reports indicate that Naqvi has secured the trophy in the ACC office in Dubai, insisting on a personal handover to either the Indian team or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
In the wake of India’s victory, the Indian players declined to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister. During the post-match presentation ceremony on September 28, a standoff ensued, leading Naqvi to walk away with both the trophy and the players’ medals.
“As of today, the trophy remains in the ACC offices in Dubai, with explicit instructions from Naqvi that it should not be moved or handed over without his personal approval and presence. Naqvi has stated that only he will present the trophy to the Indian team or BCCI at an unspecified future date,” a source close to Naqvi told PTI.
BCCI Plans Action Against Naqvi
In response to this situation, the BCCI is reportedly dissatisfied with Naqvi’s position and is preparing to take decisive measures against him. The Indian board intends to raise the issue at the forthcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting and is seeking formal reprimands against Naqvi while advocating for his removal from his ICC role.
“It remains to be seen what the long-term consequences will be for the PCB or Naqvi, as the BCCI contends that he does not have the authority to insist on a personal handover of the trophy to the Indian team, given that the BCCI was the official host of the event,” a sourced statement to PTI revealed.
