A deadlock has taken centre-stage over the Asia Cup trophy, with fans keenly awaiting the outcome. A dramatic dispute following India’s tense victory over Pakistan in the final prevented the champions from being presented with the trophy.
The controversy involves top officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, and the Asian Cricket Council, with the ICC stepping in to mediate.
Asia Cup Trophy Deadlock: Full Story
- The Asia Cup 2025 concluded on September 28 with India defeating Pakistan in Dubai. The event turned out to be controversial instead of a celebratory affair as the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the acting head of both PCB and ACC.
- Reports say Naqvi kept the trophy at the ACC headquarters, intending to present it personally, despite India’s objections. This balance of power between these two boards led to a standoff with already existing, strained relations between India and Pakistan at the time, aggravating the situation.
- Having made a number of informal attempts to resolve the matter, BCCI brought it up during the ICC Board meetings in Dubai in early November 2025.
- Sources said ICC was now actively engaged in bringing the BCCI and Naqvi together, with senior officials like Imran Khawaja and Sanjog Gupta trying to help both parties find an amicable solution.
ICC’s Involvement: Why and How
- After months of unsuccessful negotiations, BCCI sought ICC mediation, which the latter accepted, citing that India and Pakistan are two important members in terms of cricket’s growth and their issue needed an amicable resolution as soon as possible.
- ICC reportedly established a committee of senior officials to conduct discussions to make sure that the trophy is given to the correct champions and that more profound governance problems are resolved to guarantee that trust in impartiality and athletic conduct is back.
- BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that talks with Naqvi, held in a friendly atmosphere, are moving forward positively, and the ICC’s presence is helping to expedite the process.
Reasons Behind the Asia Cup Trophy Dispute
- Naqvi insisted on handing the trophy personally, but this idea was outright rejected by the Indian team, referring to tensions between cricket boards and recent political incidents.
- He ordered the trophy to be kept in the safe at the ACC office and instructed that it should not be released except with his approval, thereby escalating the power struggle.
- BCCI believes that denying the trophy after India’s win goes against the sporting spirit and the ethic of the game, Cricket.
- The officials and directors of ICC are concerned that the stalemate will taint the name of the game globally, hence their involvement benefits a swift and just resolution.
Latest Developments and Proposed Solutions
- The direct negotiations have already commenced between BCCI, the officials of the ICC, and Naqvi.
- The ICC has requested both sides to share their opinions and find a solution; otherwise, the body is ready to impose new disciplinary measures or governance.
- There is widespread agreement that the trophy should be handed to India without delay, with ICC mediating to facilitate a peaceful resolution.
- Saikia said the issue would be resolved soon and emphasized that the Asia Cup trophy will reach the Indian team.
BCCI and PCB Speak Out
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has said that discussions with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi were friendly, and both the boards are working together to resolve this deadlock over the Asia Cup trophy as soon as possible. BCCI emphasized that the trophy rightfully belongs to India after their victory and should be handed over without any further delay. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has joined meetings with BCCI facilitated by the ICC and shown himself willing to end the dispute through talks. Both believe that finding a peaceful solution is important for cricket’s reputation and the spirit of sportsmanship. The boards told fans that the issue will be sorted out at the earliest and that negotiations remain positive and cooperative.
Fan Reactions and Opinions of Former Cricketers
- Angry fans in India and around the world have termed the delay as “unacceptable” and called for respect for the players’ achievement.
- Former cricketers and experts have publicly criticized the deadlock on news channels and social media, arguing that withholding the trophy damages the game’s integrity and sets an incorrect example.
While many feel only ICC’s firm intervention will ensure impartiality and speed, the fact is that sportsmanship and the game of cricket are at stake, and that too has been admitted by senior cricketers representing India and Pakistan
