The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday lodged a protest at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting regarding ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi’s controversial actions during the 2025 Asia Cup final in Dubai. Sources told CNN-News18 that BCCI officials ensured Naqvi publicly congratulated India for winning the title.
India was represented at the meeting by BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla and former treasurer Ashish Shelar, both ACC board members. The duo urged Naqvi to immediately hand over the Asia Cup trophy to the ACC headquarters in Dubai and warned the Pakistani side that the matter could be escalated to the International Cricket Council (ICC) during a scheduled November meeting.
Naqvi reportedly insisted that only he, as ACC chief, had the authority to hand over the trophy. In protest, Shelar walked out of the meeting midway.
Following India’s five-wicket victory over Pakistan in a thrilling finale, the Suryakumar Yadav-led team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, citing his dual roles as ACC chief and Pakistan Interior Minister and his history of anti-India remarks. Alternatives, including Emirates Cricket Board president Khalid Al Zarooni and Bangladesh’s Aminul Islam, were suggested, but Naqvi rejected them.
The incident culminated in Naqvi and ACC officials leaving the stage with the trophy, prompting the Indian team to stage a symbolic celebration with imaginary trophies and coffee mugs. Reports suggest Naqvi is open to transferring India’s trophy and medals but only if an official function is organised first.
