New Delhi: The long-standing controversy surrounding the Asia Cup trophy is likely to end soon, with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Naqvi reportedly preparing to hand over the trophy to India within the next few days. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed confidence that the issue will be resolved before the ICC’s quarterly meeting on November 4. The dispute began after Team India’s emphatic victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final, when the players declined to receive the trophy from Naqvi, who hails from Pakistan. Following the incident, Naqvi took the trophy back with him, triggering outrage within Indian cricket circles.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board had officially written to the ACC, demanding that the trophy and medals be handed over without further delay. He stated that Naqvi had suggested the BCCI collect the trophy from the ACC headquarters, a proposal the board rejected. Saikia also warned that if the trophy is not delivered soon, the matter will be escalated to the ICC. Under growing pressure, Naqvi is now expected to send the trophy directly to the BCCI office in Mumbai.
The controversy stems from heightened tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, which prompted Team India to avoid formal gestures, including handshakes with Pakistani players and accepting the trophy from a Pakistani official. Despite winning all three encounters against Pakistan, India never received the trophy due to Naqvi’s actions, which were widely criticized as unsportsmanlike. With the ICC meeting approaching and BCCI’s strong stance, Naqvi is now expected to finally release the Asia Cup trophy, bringing closure to the high-profile dispute.