India refuses direct collection as ACC plans December 10 handover in Dubai
Trophy Dispute Deepens as ACC Sets Date for Official Ceremony
The Asia Cup trophy handover dispute between Pakistan and India has intensified, with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi insisting that the trophy be presented at a formal ceremony in Dubai on December 10. This comes after India refused to accept the trophy at last month’s closing ceremony, a decision that further inflamed already tense Pakistan-India cricket relations.
Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), said on Tuesday in Karachi that the ACC had formally informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about the upcoming ceremony. He expressed his intent to personally hand over the trophy, following what he called a “farcical” closing scene at the Dubai International Stadium.
India, Backed by Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, Opposes Direct Handover
India, which defeated Pakistan in a thrilling final to claim the Asia Cup title, has rejected the idea of a direct handover by Naqvi. According to Indian media citing ACC sources, the BCCI has insisted the trophy be delivered without a ceremony, citing discomfort with Naqvi’s stance.
The Press Trust of India (PTI) reported that cricket boards from Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have backed the BCCI’s request. They reportedly wrote to the ACC, urging a resolution that doesn’t involve a formal presentation. However, Naqvi remains adamant, reportedly telling BCCI officials that they are welcome to “come to the ACC office and collect it from me”.
An ACC official told PTI: “Naqvi wants the trophy collected in person at the ACC headquarters in Dubai. The BCCI has refused. This matter will now be raised in the upcoming ICC meeting.”
Asia Cup Overshadowed by India-Pakistan Hostilities
The 2025 Asia Cup, held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, was marred by political tensions and poor sportsmanship. The final, in which India beat Pakistan by five wickets, ended without the usual trophy ceremony or post-match handshakes. Players from both sides refrained from pre-match gestures, while Pakistan captain Salman Agha accused India of “disrespecting cricket”.
Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav, in contrast, alleged that his team was denied the trophy and invoked the April 22 Pahalgam attack during his press conference — an act widely criticised for politicising the sport. The attack, which killed 26 in Indian-occupied Kashmir, had earlier led to a brief military escalation between India and Pakistan.
On-field tensions escalated further during group and Super Four matches, with players involved in verbal confrontations, and both teams avoiding joint media appearances. The Asia Cup, instead of unifying the region through cricket, became a reflection of the diplomatic hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
With the ICC’s involvement likely, the trophy handover remains unresolved. For now, the ACC plans to move forward with the December 10 ceremony in Dubai, leaving the ball in India’s court.
