Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi made a surprise appearance at the ICC Executive Board meeting in Dubai, catching many officials off guard amid the ongoing controversy over the Asia Cup trophy. This incident comes at a time when tensions have been rising between the PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) since India’s victory in the Asia Cup final earlier this year.
The situation became tense during the closing ceremony when Naqvi reportedly refused to leave after the Indian team refused to accept the trophy. The issue is expected to be discussed further during the ICC meeting, as officials from both boards seek a solution to one of the most unusual off-field disputes. In response, the Indian players appeared to try to defuse the situation by celebrating their victory with imaginary trophies on the field.
Despite reports that Naqvi would not attend the meeting due to domestic political commitments, the PCB chief arrived in Dubai just minutes before the meeting began. According to the reports, his sudden arrival surprised several ICC board members, as PCB CEO Sumair Syed was originally scheduled to represent Pakistan. Although the ICC’s official agenda focused on administration and financial planning, the Asia Cup trophy controversy is expected to resurface, and the Indian delegation is reportedly prepared to raise the issue during discussions.
Trophy Controversy
The controversy erupted following India’s five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final held in Dubai. During the post-match ceremony, Indian players refused to accept the winner’s trophy and medals from Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Naqvi’s alleged anti-India remarks, made before and during the tournament, were reportedly not well received by the BCCI or the Indian players.
The BCCI is scheduled to raise the issue of the Asia Cup trophy at the ICC meeting in Dubai, where PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has also arrived. His personal attendance at the meeting could not be confirmed due to his engagements in Pakistan. Naqvi has not attended ICC meetings recently. He was also not part of the annual conference held in Singapore in July. His participation was in doubt due to the BCCI raising the Asia Cup issue.
Despite winning the continental tournament more than a month ago, India has not been presented with the Asia Cup trophy. The Indian team defeated Pakistan three times in the tournament, including their first final. Due to recent strained relations between the two countries, India refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who is also the head of the Asian Cricket Council and Pakistan’s Home Minister. An official snatched the trophy, and Naqvi is facing criticism for not handing it over to the Indian team.
Meanwhile, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has stated that the BCCI has contacted the ACC, but after receiving no response, the board will raise the issue with the ICC. “We contacted the ACC and sent a letter 10 days ago. We haven’t received a positive response. We stand by our position. Therefore, we will raise this issue at the ICC meeting starting on November 4 in Dubai. The trophy will come, and that is certain, as India won it comfortably. Only the timeline remains to be decided.”
Standoff on the Stage
The situation became tense during the closing ceremony when Naqvi allegedly refused to step aside after the Indian team refused to accept the trophy. According to eyewitnesses, the moment ended awkwardly when Naqvi and the ACC official left the stage with the trophy before the presentation could be completed. In response, the Indian players downplayed the matter by celebrating their victory with imaginary trophies, medals, and coffee mugs on the field, and photos of this moment quickly went viral on social media.
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Trophy Still Withheld
As per reports, the Asia Cup trophy is currently housed at the ACC headquarters. Sources allege that staff there were instructed not to leave the trophy without Naqvi’s direct approval. The issue is expected to be discussed further during the ICC meeting, as officials from both boards seek a resolution to one of the most unusual off-field disputes in recent cricket history.