Mohsin Naqvi continues embarrassing act, locks Asia Cup trophy in Dubai office to fuel India-Pakistan war

The longstanding India-Pakistan rivalry extended off the field as the Asia Cup 2025 trophy remained with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in Dubai. Notably, the trophy was not handed over to the Indian team, and ACC Chairman and Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi has locked it at the ACC headquarters.

India defeated Pakistan in a thrilling Asia Cup final on September 28 in Dubai. The trophy has remained at the ACC office after ACC Chairman and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi walked away with it when the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, declined to accept it during the post-match presentation ceremony.

Mohsin Naqvi Insists Trophy Should Not Be Handed Over Without His Presence

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated following the terror attack in Pahalgam. Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister, instructed that the trophy should not be moved or handed over without his personal presence, and he wants to present it in person to the Indian team or the BCCI.

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"As of today, the trophy is still in ACC offices in Dubai with clear instructions from Naqvi that it should not be moved or handed over to anyone without his approval and in-person presence," a source close to Naqvi told PTI.

"Naqvi has given clear instructions that only he will hand over the trophy in person (whenever that happens) to the Indian team or BCCI," the source further added.

BCCI States Mohsin Naqvi Had No Right to Insist on Handing Trophy Personally to Indian Team

Political tension between India and Pakistan overshadowed the cricketing action. Players from both sides refused to shake hands and even exchanged politically charged gestures during the matches, reflecting the growing hostility.

Mohsin Naqvi also made provocative social media posts. He walked away with the winner’s trophy, and no Indian or BCCI representative received it. The move was seen in India as a breach of protocol and an act of disrespect toward the winners.

The BCCI has strongly objected to Naqvi’s behaviour and plans to raise the matter at the upcoming ICC board meeting. The Indian board could push for disciplinary action against Naqvi, potentially seeking his censure or removal.

"It remains to be seen what will be the long term ramifications for the PCB or Naqvi because the BCCI is clear he (Naqvi) didn't have any right to insist on handing the trophy himself to the Indian team and refusing to send it to the BCCI who were official hosts of the event," the source said.

India Clinched Ninth Asia Cup Title in Dubai

India clinched their record ninth Asia Cup title with a thrilling five-wicket win over Pakistan in the final held in Dubai on September 28. Batting first, Pakistan were bundled out for 146 in 19.1 overs, with Kuldeep Yadav taking four wickets.

In response, Tilak Varma anchored the chase with an unbeaten 69 runs off 53 balls, while Shivam Dube scored 33 runs off 22 deliveries. India successfully chased down the target with two balls to spare, sealing another memorable victory over their archrivals.

However, Indian players were denied the official trophy presentation from Mohsin Naqvi. They staged a mock celebration on the podium amid tensions surrounding the tournament’s administration and Indo-Pak relations.

Also read: "Bad things are happening with Ishan Kishan" - BCCI's inside politics exposed