The Asia Cup trophy is now locked inside the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) office in Dubai. The issue began after the Indian cricket team refused to take the trophy from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi. India defeated Pakistan in the final on September 28 but declined to receive the cup from him.
Naqvi also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board and serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister. Tension between India and Pakistan had already risen after the Pahalgam terror attack. During the award ceremony, Naqvi took the trophy away when the Indian players refused to accept it.
A source close to Naqvi said he told the ACC that the trophy must stay in Dubai. It cannot be moved or handed over without his personal approval. He also wants to give it to the Indian team himself, whenever that happens.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) strongly opposed Naqvi’s move. The board plans to bring up the issue in the next ICC meeting. Reports suggest that India may push for action against Naqvi for crossing his limits as ACC chief.
