After backlash over ‘trophy stealing act’, Mohsin Naqvi hands Asia Cup to UAE board; BCCI seeks impeachment

Naqvi landed in a soup after his handling of the Asia Cup 2025 final triggered uproar.

Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), was accused of a “trophy stealing” act when he refused to present the cup to the Indian team at the post-match ceremony, media reports said.

Facing mounting backlash, he later handed over the trophy to UAE Cricket Board, reported NDTV.

According to media reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is pushing for Naqvi’s impeachment, arguing that his conduct amounted to repeated breaches of duty that damaged the reputation of both the ACC and the International Cricket Council (ICC).

BCCI officials, who confronted Naqvi during a recent virtual ACC meeting, allege his actions constituted abuse of office and disregard for sporting standards.

Naqvi has been accused of violating the Code of Responsibilities and Ceremonial Protocols by refusing to hand the trophy to the winners, causing embarrassment to the event.

Reports further claim that he took the trophy and medals back to his hotel room in Dubai after leaving the presentation stage, behaviour described in cricketing circles as “petulant.”

His conduct has also been labelled as a conflict of interest and a breach of fair play, with critics arguing that personal or political resentment influenced his decisions.

By allowing national sentiment to interfere in his role as ACC chief, Naqvi is accused of bringing politics into sport and damaging the integrity of the regional body.

During the ACC meeting, BCCI representatives Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar made it clear that the trophy belonged to India, the legitimate winners, and not to any individual.

They also pressed Naqvi to congratulate the unbeaten Indian side led by Suryakumar Yadav, but he declined.

While the ACC has issued a statement of “regret” over the incident, Naqvi has not offered a formal apology.

The BCCI has indicated it will escalate the matter to the ICC, with the issue expected to be tabled at the upcoming ICC meeting in November.