Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Dispute Escalates as BCCI Prepares to Knock ICC’s Doors

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to escalate a simmering dispute over the Asia Cup 2025 trophy to the International Cricket Council (ICC) during its ongoing board meeting in Dubai, with reports indicating plans to challenge Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi's dual roles as Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan's Interior Minister. More than five weeks after India clinched their ninth Asia Cup title with a five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final on September 28 at Dubai International Stadium, the winning team has yet to receive the trophy or medals, following their refusal to accept them from Naqvi amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions.

The controversy erupted during the post-match presentation when the Suryakumar Yadav-led side declined the silverware from Naqvi, citing his position in the Pakistani government, leading to an hour-long delay before an ACC official removed the trophy from the stage. Naqvi has since insisted on personally presenting it at a separate ceremony in Dubai, a demand rejected by the BCCI, which has formally requested the ACC to courier the trophy to Mumbai. Sources indicate the BCCI has compiled a dossier alleging Naqvi's multiple roles violate ICC governance regulations on conflicts of interest, with the Afghanistan Cricket Board reportedly backing India's stance amid strained Pak-Afghan relations.

Although not on the official agenda, the issue is expected to dominate informal discussions during the ICC Chief Executives' Committee sessions and the full board meeting on November 7, with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirming escalation if unresolved. Naqvi, who has skipped previous ICC gatherings since Jay Shah became chairman, may attend virtually or send a representative due to domestic commitments, further complicating direct confrontation.

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The standoff underscores broader geopolitical frictions impacting cricket administration, echoing the tournament's earlier no-handshake policy and sanctioned player gestures. While the trophy remains locked at ACC headquarters in Dubai, board members recognise the commercial value of the Indo-Pak rivalry and hope for a resolution to preserve regional harmony in the sport. As the ICC navigates this alongside other priorities like USA Cricket's governance crisis, the outcome could set precedents for handling political overlaps in cricket leadership.

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