Here’s a situation that’s bound to spark debate: the Asia Cup trophy, rightfully won by Team India, is stuck in limbo, and the cricket world is watching. But here’s where it gets controversial—Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, is reportedly planning to skip the upcoming ICC Executive Board meeting in Dubai, citing “domestic political issues.” This move comes just as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is demanding the handover of the Asia Cup trophy, which India won in September after defeating Pakistan in the final. So, what’s the hold-up? Let’s break it down.
According to a report by PTI, Naqvi is likely to avoid a face-off with the BCCI by sending the PCB’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Sumair Syed, to represent the board at the crucial meeting on November 7. And this is the part most people miss—Naqvi might still join remotely, though his physical absence speaks volumes. The BCCI, led by secretary Devajit Saikia, has been vocal about its stance: the trophy belongs to India, and they won’t accept it from Naqvi, who refused to hand it over during the post-match ceremony. Saikia told ANI, ‘The trophy will come, and that is for certain… Only the timeline has to be fixed.’ But Naqvi insists India must collect it from him in Dubai—a condition the BCCI flatly rejects.
The backstory? After India’s victory, Naqvi declined to present the trophy to the winning team, led by Suryakumar Yadav. An ACC official then removed the trophy from the ground, and it’s reportedly still sitting at the ACC headquarters in Dubai. Here’s the kicker—Naqvi’s dual role as PCB chief and Pakistan’s Interior Minister has added a layer of political tension to this sporting dispute. Since Jay Shah became ICC President last year, Naqvi hasn’t attended a single ICC meeting, raising questions about his priorities.
So, where does this leave us? The BCCI is firm: ‘We are not accepting the trophy from the ACC Chairman… It has to come but not from his hands.’ Meanwhile, Naqvi’s absence from the Dubai meeting feels like a strategic dodge, leaving many to wonder if this is about cricket or something bigger. Is this a sporting dispute or a political standoff? Let’s discuss—do you think Naqvi’s absence is justified, or is the BCCI overstepping? Share your thoughts below, and let’s keep the conversation going!
