ACC Chief Refuses to Compromise on Trophy Presentation Protocol
Asia Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi has maintained his position on trophy handover procedures, insisting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) must follow established protocols to receive the Asia Cup trophy.
Speaking to media representatives in Karachi on Tuesday, Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, revealed that BCCI officials have been in contact with the ACC requesting trophy collection arrangements.
The ACC has formally notified the Indian cricket board about a ceremonial presentation scheduled for December 10 in Dubai, where India can officially receive their championship trophy following standard procedures.
The controversy stems from India’s refusal to accept the trophy during September’s closing ceremony, which occurred shortly after regional military tensions between the neighboring nations. Despite securing a thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the tournament finale, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav declined to receive the award from Naqvi, creating an unprecedented situation in cricket administration.
The ceremony notably lacked traditional handshakes between competing teams, while Pakistan captain Salman Agha accused India of disrespecting cricket’s spirit. Conversely, Yadav expressed frustration over being denied immediate trophy possession despite winning the championship.
Following the incident, Naqvi addressed the matter on social media, stating that BCCI representatives were welcome to collect the trophy from ACC headquarters if genuinely interested.
Recent reports indicate that cricket boards from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka have supported BCCI’s correspondence regarding the trophy issue. According to sources, the Indian board has rejected Naqvi’s insistence on personal collection from Dubai headquarters, with plans to escalate the matter at next month’s International Cricket Council meeting.
The eight-nation Asia Cup tournament operated under intense scrutiny due to longstanding political tensions between India and Pakistan, with the championship taking place months after significant regional developments that impacted bilateral relations.
The situation has highlighted how geopolitical considerations increasingly influence international cricket administration and ceremonial protocols.
