BCCI to Lodge Strong Protest Against ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi Over Asia Cup 2025 Controversy

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced plans to file a “strong and serious” protest against Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi over his conduct during the Asia Cup 2025 and at the ICC conference in Dubai later this year. The tournament ended in controversy after the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The post-match presentation at Dubai International Stadium, delayed by 45 minutes, ended abruptly when India’s players refused any interaction with Naqvi. The ACC and PCB chief left the stage immediately, taking the Asia Cup trophy and medals with him. Sources indicate Naqvi ensured the trophy was not handed over to India by anyone else, despite the team’s clear opposition.

Naqvi has been at the center of several disputes throughout the tournament, including the no-handshake incident, demands to remove match referee Pycroft, and threats to boycott the tournament. He also drew criticism for mocking Indian fans on X (formerly Twitter), referencing Pakistan’s claims of downing Indian fighter jets during Operation Sindoor.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said, “We have decided not to accept the Asia Cup 2025 trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the senior leaders of Pakistan. That was a conscious decision. This does not give him the right to take the trophy and the medals with him. It is extremely unfortunate and unsportsmanlike. We hope the trophy and medals will be returned to India as soon as possible.”

Saikia added, “There is an ICC conference scheduled in Dubai this November, and at that conference, we will launch a very serious and strong protest against the actions of the ACC chairman.”

No BCCI officials were present at the final in Dubai. During the board’s AGM on Sunday, Mithun Manhas was appointed as the 37th BCCI President, Saikia was reinstated as Secretary, and Rajeev Shukla retained his Vice-President post.

On the field, India clinched a thrilling victory over Pakistan, chasing 147 with five wickets in hand and two balls to spare. Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 guided the chase, while Kuldeep Yadav’s four-wicket haul restricted Pakistan to 146 in 20 overs.