More than 72 hours after India’s victory, Mohsin Naqvi has neither handed over the trophy to the Indian team nor returned it to the ACC office. Team India won the Asia Cup 2023 after a hard-fought battle on the field, but the victory has been overshadowed by a shocking allegation against Mohsin Naqvi, the head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Naqvi is a minister in the Pakistani government and the chairman of the country’s cricket board, and is known for his anti-India statements.
On Sunday, Team India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, was denied the trophy after Naqvi refused to hand it over. According to reports, Naqvi allegedly took the trophy to his hotel room and ‘seized’ it, which is considered a blatant violation of sportsmanship and raises serious concerns about the integrity of cricket globally.
The BCCI has expressed its outrage at this unprecedented act and is reportedly considering filing a theft complaint with the Dubai Police. More than 72 hours after India’s victory, Naqvi has neither handed over the trophy to the Indian team nor returned it to the ACC office. The issue was discussed at length during the ACC meeting on Tuesday, with representatives from several countries expressing their disapproval. Despite the uproar, the latest reports indicate that Naqvi remained adamant and kept the trophy in his hotel room.
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Police Case against Mohsin Naqvi?
In response, the BCCI has reportedly decided to take strict action and plans to file an official complaint with the Dubai Police against Naqvi for the theft and illegal possession of the trophy. According to reports, the BCCI has given Naqvi a 72-hour ultimatum to return the trophy to the ACC office; otherwise, a formal case will be filed. If the case proceeds, Naqvi could face arrest. According to reports, the BCCI is in constant communication with UAE authorities to ensure that Naqvi does not return to Pakistan with the trophy.
Dubai’s Strict Legal Framework
Dubai’s legal system is known for its strict laws, with severe penalties for theft. In Dubai, stealing someone else’s property can result in imprisonment for 5 to 7 years and a fine. Penalties for theft or unlawful possession vary, ranging from 6 months to 3 years imprisonment, and up to 15 years for serious theft cases. Therefore, if charges are filed under UAE law, Naqvi could face a lengthy prison sentence.
What Happened at the Asia Cup Final?
During the prize-giving ceremony after the Asia Cup final, Mohsin Naqvi abruptly left with the trophy, sparking controversy. The Indian team, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, had defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets, and the Indian delegation refused to accept the prize from Naqvi due to his anti-India statements and provocative social media activity.
Naqvi, who is both the head of the ACC and the chairman of the PCB, insisted on presenting the trophy himself. The Indian delegation, supported by the BCCI, suggested alternatives such as Khalid Al Zarouni, the chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, or Aminul Islam of Bangladesh to present the prize. However, Naqvi remained adamant, rejected all suggestions, and left the ceremony abruptly.
Come and Collect the Asia Cup Trophy Yourself!—Mohsin Naqvi Directly Challenges India
According to reports in the Pakistani media, Naqvi has made it clear that Suryakumar Yadav should come to the ACC office and collect the trophy himself. Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi has outright refused to hand over the Asia Cup trophy to India. Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council, has instead ordered Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav to come to the ACC office and collect the trophy himself.
Mohsin Naqvi Remains Adamant
Earlier, on Sunday night, after the Asia Cup final, there was a huge drama when Mohsin Naqvi took the Asia Cup trophy and medals with him and left. The Indian team had said that they would not accept the trophy from Naqvi, given the strained relations between India and Pakistan, and had requested that the trophy be handed over by the UAE Cricket Board vice-president. However, Naqvi rejected this request and insisted that India must collect the trophy from him.
Naqvi left with the trophy after Team India didn’t arrive
An unusual sight was witnessed when an ACC official was seen picking up the trophy from the ground while the Indian team was waiting to go to the podium. Later that night, BCCI secretary Jay Shah strongly criticized Naqvi’s actions.
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Naqvi rejects BCCI’s demand
Two days after the Asia Cup final, on Tuesday, Pakistani media reported that Mohsin Naqvi had rejected the repeated demands of BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla to hand over the Asia Cup 2025 trophy. He insisted that the Indian captain should collect the trophy himself.
What happened in the meeting on September 30?
The issue was raised during the ACC meeting in Dubai, chaired by Mohsin Naqvi, where BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla, representing the BCCI, suggested that the trophy be returned. However, Naqvi replied that this matter was not on the meeting agenda. When pressed further, he stated that if the Indian team wanted the trophy, its captain would have to personally go to the ACC office to collect it.
Mohsin Naqvi could be arrested
India will not send a representative to collect the trophy. During its first match against Pakistan, India refused to shake hands with the Pakistani team. Subsequently, Mohsin Naqvi threatened to withdraw his team from the tournament. It is unlikely that any Indian representative will go to the ACC office to collect the trophy and medals, as they had already refused to do so during the Asia Cup prize-giving ceremony.