Naqvi Asks India to Collect Asia Cup Trophy in Dubai
Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that India’s cricket team may collect the Asia Cup 2025 trophy in person from the ACC’s office in Dubai. He made this statement amid ongoing controversy over India’s refusal to accept the trophy from him during the post-match ceremony.
Background of the Incident
In the final held on 28 September 2025 in Dubai, India defeated Pakistan by five wickets to win the Asia Cup. However, Indian players declined to receive the trophy and medals from Naqvi. The presentation was delayed, and the trophy was removed from the stage, deepening the standoff.
Naqvi’s Position
Naqvi rejected reports that he had apologized to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He asserted that India is welcome to come to the ACC headquarters to collect the trophy. He insisted that he will not issue an apology and maintained that his stance is firm.
Indian Reaction and Next Steps
The BCCI has strongly objected to Naqvi retaining the trophy after refusing to hand it over on the field. During an ACC meeting in Dubai, BCCI officials demanded the trophy and medals be given to India. Naqvi, however, countered that India must pick them up at the ACC office if they wish to retrieve them. The matter may now be escalated to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for resolution.
