Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai

Dubai, Oct 10: The Asia Cup trophy, which was not presented to India after the team refused to accept it from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi, remains locked at the ACC headquarters in Dubai with instructions that it should not be moved or handed over without Naqvi’s personal approval.

India had defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup final on September 28 in Dubai. Following the victory, Naqvi, who is also the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Pakistan’s Interior Minister, walked away with the trophy after India declined to receive it from him.

A source close to Naqvi told PTI: "As of today, the trophy is still in ACC offices in Dubai with clear instructions that it should not be moved or handed over to anyone without his approval and in-person presence. Only he will hand over the trophy to the Indian team or BCCI."

The tournament was overshadowed by Indo-Pak tensions, with Indian players refusing handshakes and both sides engaging in politically charged gestures. Naqvi himself made political statements on social media, further escalating the situation.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) strongly objected to Naqvi’s actions and plans to raise the matter at the ICC meeting next month. Speculation is rife that the ICC may censure or even remove Naqvi as a Director.

A source added, "It remains to be seen what the long-term ramifications for PCB or Naqvi will be, because BCCI is clear that he had no right to insist on handing the trophy himself to the Indian team instead of sending it to the BCCI, the official hosts of the event."
The drama surrounding the Asia Cup trophy continues to reflect the growing political tensions between India and Pakistan, even on the cricket field.