Naqvi Proposes Ceremony to Present Asia Cup Trophy to India

News Desk 

Dubai: Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly proposed holding a special ceremony to present the Asia Cup 2025 trophy to India, which won the title last month after defeating Pakistan in the final.

According to sources, the proposal follows India’s refusal to accept the trophy from Naqvi after their victory on September 29. Acting on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) instructions, the Indian players had declined to receive the silverware, leading to an unusual conclusion of the post-match ceremony.

Subsequently, the BCCI wrote a formal letter to the ACC chairman requesting that the trophy be officially handed over to the winning side. In response, Naqvi reportedly suggested that the BCCI nominate a player to attend a formal ceremony, during which he would personally present the trophy.

Sources said the ACC has proposed November 10 as the tentative date for the event, to be held in Dubai. Naqvi has maintained that the presentation should be made by him as part of official protocol.

The controversy originated during last month’s Asia Cup, which saw heightened political tensions between the two teams. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was criticized for refusing the customary handshake with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha at the toss on September 14. Both sides avoided handshakes and maintained separate huddles in the subsequent games, including the final.

Following the final, BCCI officials justified their refusal to accept the trophy, citing Naqvi’s position as a federal minister in Pakistan’s government. The standoff led to a delay of nearly 90 minutes in the post-match ceremony, which eventually concluded without the presentation. The trophy was later returned to the ACC office.

India clinched the Asia Cup 2025 title after defeating Pakistan by five wickets, chasing down a target of 147 runs in 19.4 overs. Pakistan had been restricted to 146 in 19.1 overs despite a resilient half-century by Sahibzada Farhan.