The Asia Cup 2025 trophy row deepened despite an apology from ACC Chief and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to the BCCI for the chaotic post-final scenes on September 28. While Naqvi softened his tone at the ACC meeting on September 30, he insisted that India&rsquo;s captain must collect the trophy and medals from the ACC office in Dubai.
The BCCI flatly rejected the condition, stressing that no such protocol existed on the night of the final. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla reminded the council that the trophy belonged to the ACC, not an individual, and criticised Naqvi for removing the silverware without a formal handover.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had earlier said, &ldquo;We decided not to accept the Asia Cup 2025 trophy from the ACC chairman, who is also a senior leader of Pakistan. That was a conscious decision. This does not give him the right to take the trophy and medals with him.&rdquo;
India has accepted the apology but insists on a protocol-compliant handover. The refusal to return the trophy risks recasting a ceremonial protocol into a political standoff, ensuring the dispute remains unresolved until restitution is made.

Naqvi apologises but refuses handover; BCCI insists on protocol transfer of trophy

Asia Cup Trophy Standoff Persists

Naqvi apologises but refuses handover; BCCI insists on protocol transfer of trophy

October 1, 2025 | 20:24 IST