The 2025 Asia Cup controversy has escalated into a full-blown political crisis for the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), with India reportedly preparing a no-confidence motion against its President Mohsin Naqvi.
The standoff over the trophy handover has split member nations into rival blocs, leaving Naqvi’s leadership under serious threat.
The dispute began after India defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup final but refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi. The silverware remains locked in the ACC headquarters in Dubai after the Suryakumar Yadav-led side walked away without attending the presentation.
Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), insisted he was ready to present the trophy but maintained that India must collect it formally. Reports of his alleged apology to the BCCI were dismissed as “fabricated nonsense” and “cheap propaganda.”
BCCI reportedly planning no-confidence motion
According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is working to build support for a no-confidence motion against Naqvi. The move, if tabled, could see the ACC President ousted from office.
Sri Lanka has reportedly aligned with India, while Bangladesh has sided with Pakistan. Afghanistan remains undecided, often shifting between the two blocs, making its vote crucial to the outcome.
Naqvi rejects Indian media claims
Responding to speculation, Naqvi took to X (formerly Twitter) to dismiss reports of an apology.
“Indian media thrives on lies, not facts. I have never apologized to the BCCI nor will I ever do so,” he wrote, adding that India was welcome to collect the trophy from the ACC office if they wished.
Asia Cup turns into political standoff
The trophy fiasco has further strained relations between India and Pakistan. Earlier in the tournament, Indian players avoided shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts, while the captains skipped a pre-final photo opportunity.
During a recent ACC meeting, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla reportedly demanded that the trophy be handed to India directly, but Naqvi refused, saying the issue was not on the agenda.
