India’s Asia Cup trophy withheld, remains locked in Dubai:Mohsin Naqvi bars movement without approval, IND won tournament on Sept 28

The Asia Cup trophy has been locked away at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) headquarters in Dubai after the Indian cricket team refused to accept it from ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The trophy has not been presented to the victorious Indian team since their win over Pakistan in the final on September 28 in Dubai. The controversy began when 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. The decision came amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, which cast a political shadow over the entire tournament. According to reports, the trophy remains securely kept at the ACC office in Dubai. “As of today the trophy is still in ACC offices in Dubai with clear instructions from Naqvi that it should not be moved or handed over to anyone without his approval and in person presence,” a source close to Naqvi told PTI. Asia Cup Trophy locked at Dubai’s ACC office Naqvi has reportedly made it clear that he alone will personally present the trophy to the Indian team or to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). “Naqvi has given clear instructions that only he will hand over the trophy in person (whenever that happens) to the Indian team or BCCI,” the source added. Also read: IPL 2026 auction to take place from Dec 13-15: CSK likely to release Conway, Curran before Nov 15 retention deadline The situation has sparked strong reactions within the cricketing community. The BCCI has expressed deep displeasure over Naqvi’s actions and plans to raise the issue in the upcoming ICC meeting next month. Political tension overshadows the tournament Throughout the Asia Cup, political tensions between India and Pakistan were visible on and off the field. Players from both teams avoided shaking hands and were often seen mocking each other with politically charged gestures. Naqvi, meanwhile, made several political statements on social media, further inflaming the situation. Also read: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli to play Vijay Hazare Trophy?: Selectors expect senior duo to feature in at least three rounds, tournament starts Dec 24- Report The BCCI considers Naqvi’s move of walking away with the trophy inappropriate and beyond his authority. “It remains to be seen what will be the long term ramifications for the PCB or Naqvi because the BCCI is clear he (Naqvi) didn’t have any right to insist on handing the trophy himself to the Indian team and refusing to send it to the BCCI who were official hosts of the event,” the source said.