The Asia Cup 2025 trophy controversy refuses to die down. Nearly two weeks after India's thrilling victory over Pakistan in the final, the whereabouts of the trophy remain unclear, and Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi is feeling the heat.
In a video that's gone viral on social media, Naqvi was surrounded by reporters at Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed's wedding reception in Karachi earlier this week. As guests celebrated around him, journalists peppered him with questions about the missing trophy.
"What's the future of the Asia Cup trophy?" one reporter can be heard asking in the footage shared by TOK Sports. Naqvi, looking visibly uncomfortable, chose to stay silent on the matter and was eventually escorted to his car by Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi.
It's a far cry from what should have been a simple trophy presentation ceremony in Dubai.
After India defeated Pakistan in a nail-biting final last month, captain Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates refused to receive the trophy from Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan's Interior Minister. The Indian team's decision stemmed from ongoing political tensions between the two nations.
Rather than finding an alternative solution, Naqvi simply left the stadium taking the trophy and winner's medals with him. The Indian team was never formally presented with the silverware they'd earned on the field.
According to sources, the trophy is now with the Emirates Cricket Board in Dubai. However, there's no confirmation yet on how or when it will be handed over to the rightful winners.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India isn't taking this lying down. They've made it clear the matter will be raised at the upcoming ICC meeting in November, with some members pushing for Naqvi's impeachment as ACC chief.
The BCCI argues that Naqvi violated the Code of Responsibilities and Ceremonial Protocols by failing to honor the winning team, one of his fundamental duties as ACC chief. They believe his actions have damaged the reputation of cricket administration across Asia.
"This isn't just about a trophy," a BCCI source told reporters. "It's about respecting the game and following established protocols."
At first glance, it might seem like much ado about a piece of silverware. But the controversy highlights deeper issues within Asian cricket administration and the ongoing challenges of India-Pakistan cricket relations.
The Asia Cup has long been a prestigious tournament, uniting the continent's top teams. For the winning team to leave without their trophy is unprecedented and sets a troubling precedent.
Naqvi's refusal to address the situation publicly even when cornered at a social event, only adds fuel to the fire. His silence speaks volumes about the awkward position he's placed himself in, caught between his roles as ACC chief and Pakistani government minister.
All eyes are now on the November ICC meeting, where India is expected to formally raise the issue. Whether the trophy will be handed over before then remains anyone's guess.
For now, Team India can take pride in their on-field achievement, even if the trophy remains out of reach. But this mess serves as a reminder that in cricket, especially in Asia, the game is never just about what happens on the pitch.
