Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Row: Mohsin Naqvi, BCCI Impeachment Threat & UAE Angle Explained

Oct 3, 2025

—

The Asia Cup 2025, expected to be a celebration of cricketing excellence, has suddenly turned into one of the most controversial tournaments in recent memory. What should have been a moment of triumph for the winning side has been overshadowed by an unusual and heated trophy handover drama. Reports suggest that Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the current head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), handed over the Asia Cup 2025 trophy to the UAE Cricket Board instead of presenting it to the actual winners on the ground.

This unprecedented move has sparked a strong backlash from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which has threatened impeachment proceedings against Naqvi, accusing him of misconduct, abuse of authority, and a breach of ceremonial protocol.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything about this unfolding controversy: what exactly happened, why it matters, how stakeholders have reacted, and what it could mean for the future of Asian cricket.

What Exactly Happened?

The Asia Cup 2025 final concluded with a deserving champion, but the trophy presentation ceremony took an unexpected turn. Instead of following the established tradition of handing over the trophy to the winning captain in front of the players, fans, and cameras, Mohsin Naqvi reportedly walked out of the ceremony midway. Later, the trophy and medals were allegedly transferred to Naqvi’s hotel in Dubai.

In another twist, Naqvi is believed to have handed over the trophy not to the victorious team but to officials from the UAE cricket board. This raised eyebrows across the cricketing fraternity and fueled accusations of favoritism and disregard for protocol.

Why Is This Serious?

Cricket trophies are not just symbols of victory; they embody prestige, recognition, and respect. The Asia Cup is an international tournament, and its winner deserves to be crowned publicly. By bypassing this process, Naqvi’s decision is being seen as an insult to the winning team and a violation of the spirit of the game.

For the BCCI, this act represents:

Breach of tradition: Presentation ceremonies follow strict protocols, and skipping them undermines the game’s sanctity.
Conflict of interest: As ACC President and PCB Chairman, Naqvi is accused of letting political and personal agendas cloud his judgment.
Damage to credibility: The ACC’s reputation is now under scrutiny, and fans are questioning whether cricket governance in Asia is impartial.

BCCI’s Stand: Why Impeachment Is on the Table

The BCCI has reacted strongly, calling the move unacceptable and seeking Naqvi’s impeachment as ACC chief. Officials have argued that the act amounts to:

Misuse of position: Using the ACC platform to settle scores or push agendas.
Disrespect to winners: Robbing the winning side of their rightful moment of celebration.
Embarrassment to the sport: Turning a global spectacle into a political controversy.

If impeachment moves forward, this could set a precedent in cricket administration, showing that no official is above accountability.

ACC’s Reaction

The Asian Cricket Council has expressed regret over the incident, but has stopped short of issuing a formal apology. Naqvi himself has reportedly not apologized, further inflaming tensions. The ACC has promised to “review the protocols” but has remained vague about whether disciplinary steps will be taken against its own president.

UAE’s Position

The UAE cricket board, which unexpectedly found itself at the center of this storm, has so far refrained from making strong statements. Sources suggest that UAE officials accepted the trophy as a “symbolic handover” rather than a claim to victory. Still, the optics of this decision have not gone down well with fans across Asia.

Media and Fan Reactions

The incident has set off a wave of criticism on social media and in cricketing circles. Fans from across the subcontinent have voiced their anger, disappointment, and confusion over why such a breach of ceremony was allowed. Many have called it “disrespectful,” while others see it as a deliberate move to undermine India’s cricketing authority.

Possible Outcomes of the Controversy

The unfolding situation could have several possible outcomes:

Formal Apology: Naqvi may be compelled to issue an apology under pressure from the ACC and ICC.
Trophy Returned to Winners: The winning side may eventually get their official trophy handover, though delayed.
Impeachment of Naqvi: The BCCI may push through with its threat to impeach, reshaping the leadership of Asian cricket.
Diplomatic Fallout: Strained relations between cricket boards could impact future tournaments, including bilateral series.

Timeline of Events

Event	Details
Asia Cup 2025 Final	Concluded with a winner, expected trophy handover ceremony
Trophy Walkout	Mohsin Naqvi left ceremony, trophy shifted to hotel
UAE Angle	Trophy allegedly handed over to UAE board
BCCI Reaction	Called move unacceptable, threatened impeachment
ACC’s Stand	Expressed regret, no clear action yet
Current Status	Trophy handover unresolved, tensions ongoing

Why It Matters for Cricket Governance

This controversy is not just about one trophy. It raises larger questions about accountability in cricket administration:

Should cricket leaders be allowed to mix politics with sport?
How do boards ensure that traditions and fairness are upheld?
What role should ICC play in resolving regional disputes?

The answers to these questions will shape the credibility of cricket governance in Asia for years to come.

Conclusion

The Asia Cup 2025 trophy row is more than a minor slip-up; it has exposed fault lines in cricket politics and governance. Whether it ends with an apology, a forced resignation, or diplomatic repair work, the controversy has already left a mark on how fans perceive the administration of the sport.

For the players and fans, the hope remains that cricket itself — not off-field politics — will take center stage in the tournaments ahead.

Disclaimer

The above article is based on reports and sources available at the time of writing. Events may evolve, and interpretations may vary. This article is for informational purposes only and does not make any definitive legal or official claims.

About the author

I’m Himanshu Dhar, a dedicated MIS trainer proudly associated with I Turn Institute. My journey in the realm of data management and automation spans over 14 enriching years. My passion for this field extends to freelancing projects, where I bring real-world practicality into my teaching. My impact in education is marked by the success of over 25,000 students I’ve had the privilege of mentoring, hailing from diverse backgrounds. Beyond the classroom, I’ve had the honor of conducting corporate training sessions and seminars, catering to the unique needs of businesses. Let’s unlock your potential together in the realm of data analysis and automation.