The Asia Cup trophy, a symbol of cricketing excellence, has sparked a heated debate. India, the reigning champions, won the 2025 edition in Dubai, but the presentation ceremony took an unexpected turn. Indian players refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the ACC president and PCB chairman, leading to a unique situation in international cricket.
The trophy, locked away in the ACC office in Dubai, has become a central point of contention. Naqvi's insistence on personally presenting the trophy to the Indian team has created a stalemate. This has resulted in a rare occurrence where the tournament winner has not received their prize. The BCCI, India's cricket governing body, is yet to decide its next move, with officials awaiting the outcome of the upcoming meeting between the five Test-playing nations under the ACC.
The situation has raised questions about the ACC's leadership and the potential impact on future tournaments. The ACC Annual General Meeting in September discussed a resolution, but the trophy's fate remains uncertain. With Naqvi's attendance at the upcoming meeting in doubt, the trophy may remain locked away indefinitely unless a consensus is reached. The controversy highlights the delicate balance between tradition and protocol in international cricket, leaving fans and experts alike eagerly awaiting the outcome.
