ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi says India can take Asia Cup trophy if they want

Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi has reiterated that India will only receive the Asia Cup trophy if they accept it from him directly. In a post on X, Naqvi stated, “As ACC President, I was ready to hand over the trophy that very day and I am still ready now. If they truly want it, they are welcome to come to the ACC office and collect it from me.”

His remarks came after the latest ACC meeting in Dubai, chaired by Naqvi. BCCI representatives Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar attended virtually, but no decision was reached on handing over the trophy and medals to India.

The controversy stems from the dramatic Asia Cup final in Dubai, where India defeated Pakistan. The presentation ceremony was delayed for over an hour after the Indian team refused to accept the trophy and medals from Naqvi, who is also the PCB chairman and Pakistan’s interior minister. Eventually, some Indian players received individual awards from other dignitaries, while the trophy was taken away by an ACC official. India celebrated on stage without the winners’ medals or trophy.

This standoff capped weeks of tension between the two nations during the tournament. India avoided handshakes with Pakistan players before and after matches, drawing criticism from Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha. Earlier, Suryakumar Yadav was fined for comments made after the first clash, while Haris Rauf was sanctioned for gestures in the second. Suryakumar later dismissed the rivalry narrative, citing India’s dominant record, before leading his side to victory in the first-ever India-Pakistan Asia Cup final.

Now, after three consecutive high-stakes meetings between the men’s sides, the women’s teams will face off in the ODI World Cup in Colombo on October 5.