BCCI pushes to remove Mohsin Naqvi from ICC over trophy row

BCCI’s growing concerns over Naqvi’s conduct

Tensions between the Indian and Pakistani cricket boards keep escalating as the BCCI continues to level accusations against Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Mohsin Naqvi’s handling of the Asia Cup 2025 presentation ceremony. The issue, which began when the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi following India’s victory over Pakistan, and Naqvi’s subsequent refusal to allow the Indian team to receive the trophy from someone else, has now reached the International Cricket Council (ICC) corridors.

According to a report by PTI, the BCCI is likely to raise the matter formally at the next ICC meeting, with a proposal to seek Naqvi’s censure or removal as an ICC Director. The board believes Naqvi acted outside his authority by withholding the trophy and refusing to allow its transfer to the official hosts of the tournament.

A source told PTI, “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.”

Trophy controversy deepens after Asia Cup final

India’s refusal to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Naqvi immediately after winning the final in Dubai sparked a diplomatic and sporting standoff. The decision came amid heightened political tension between the two nations following the Pahalgam attack, which overshadowed much of the tournament.

Since the final, the trophy has remained locked in the ACC headquarters in Dubai under Naqvi’s direct instructions. A source quoted by PTI confirmed, “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. Naqvi has given clear instructions that only he will hand over the trophy in person (whenever that happens) to the Indian team or BCCI.”

BCCI’s likely next steps at the ICC

The BCCI has expressed its strong disapproval of Naqvi’s conduct, describing his decision to withhold the trophy as a breach of protocol and a display of poor sportsmanship. Senior BCCI officials, including vice-president Rajeev Shukla and treasurer Ashish Shelar, are expected to address the issue at the upcoming ICC meeting, which could see calls for disciplinary action.

The Indian board maintains that the Asia Cup, as an ACC event, is not Naqvi’s personal property and that the chairman’s refusal to release the trophy is inconsistent with the spirit of the game and the governing body’s code of conduct.

Political overtones and Indo-Pak friction

Naqvi’s subsequent remarks on social media and his role as Pakistan’s Interior Minister have further inflamed the Indian media and Indian cricket fans. His political position, coupled with his continued control over the trophy, has drawn criticism from several Indian cricketing stakeholders who view his behavior as politicising the sport. The situation has added another layer of strain to already tense cricketing relations between India and Pakistan.

What lies ahead

With the trophy still locked away in Dubai and diplomatic discussions ongoing, it remains unclear when — or if — India will formally receive the Asia Cup 2025 trophy. The BCCI’s planned push at the ICC level could determine whether Naqvi faces formal sanctions or removal from his dual roles in the ACC and ICC.

For now, the episode continues to cast a shadow over one of Asia’s most prominent cricket tournaments, underscoring how political rivalries continue to spill over into the cricketing arena.

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