No Trophy Yet: ACC President Naqvi Blocks Medal Handover to India

Three days after India’s victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final, controversies continue to overshadow the tournament. While India claimed the title for the ninth time, the presentation ceremony became a point of tension, with medals and the trophy still not in Indian hands.

At the center of the dispute is ACC president and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi. A stormy ACC meeting in Dubai, held days after the final, failed to resolve the issue, and a virtual session between the ACC and BCCI on Tuesday yielded no concrete outcome.

A source told Hindustan Times:
“Naqvi’s behavior in the meeting was totally unbecoming of an ACC chairman. His opening remarks didn’t include congratulations for India; he only did so after repeated prompting by Ashish Shelar. The BCCI offered to handle logistics; all he needed to do was get the medals and trophy to ACC headquarters, but he kept deflecting.”

The delayed presentation ceremony, which started nearly an hour after the final, reportedly stemmed from Naqvi insisting on handing the trophy over personally, a move India did not agree to. Ultimately, the Indian team celebrated their win without receiving the silverware.

Off the field, tensions had been simmering throughout the tournament. India maintained a no-handshake protocol with Pakistan, prompting criticism and commentary from former players and cricket experts. On-field gestures, fines for player conduct, and procedural inconsistencies at the final added to the strained atmosphere.

With the tournament concluded, the BCCI is reportedly seeking a formal, protocol-compliant transfer of medals and the trophy through ACC channels. Mohsin Naqvi remains the central figure in the ongoing saga, ensuring that the 2025 Asia Cup will be remembered as much for administrative drama as for India’s triumph.