New Delhi:The controversy surrounding the 2025 Asia Cup final continues as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President, Mohsin Naqvi, has firmly denied reports suggesting he apologized to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the trophy handover incident. Naqvi stated, “I have never apologized to the BCCI nor will I ever do so,” and emphasized that India is “welcome” to collect the Asia Cup trophy from him at the ACC headquarters in Dubai if they truly want it.
The controversy began after India defeated Pakistan in the final, but Indian players refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi during the presentation ceremony, leading to a delay and eventual cancellation of the award proceedings. Suryakumar Yadav, India’s captain, expressed disappointment, stating that his team was “denied” the opportunity to lift the trophy.
In response, the BCCI criticized Naqvi for removing the trophy and medals from the venue without proper handover protocols. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla emphasized that the trophy belongs to the ACC, not any individual, and demanded its return as per established procedures.
The situation remains unresolved, with the BCCI considering escalating the matter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) if the trophy is not returned promptly. The ongoing dispute highlights the deepening tensions between the cricketing boards of India and Pakistan.
