Indian Team Declined Asia Cup Trophy from ACC President

LAHORE: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will reportedly approach the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the Asia Cup 2025 trophy controversy, as stated by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia.

This year’s competition faced multiple issues, including the Indian team’s refusal to engage in customary handshakes with Pakistani players. Ultimately, they declined to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The Indian team’s actions led to a delay of one hour in the post-match presentation, which prompted disapproval from the cricket community, with figures such as Ravi Shastri voicing their concerns.

Following the extended delay, the closing ceremony for the eight-team tournament commenced. India’s Kuldeep Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Tilak Varma were given individual awards recognizing their performances in the final match. Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, accepted the prize for his team’s second-place finish.

Kuldeep Yadav was later asked to come forward again to be recognized as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker. Additionally, Abhishek Sharma, the left-handed opener, was named Player of the Tournament for his performance of 314 runs across seven innings, averaging 44.85.

The closing ceremony ended without the winning team receiving the trophy, confirmed by presenter Simon Doull.

Following the ceremony, organizers took the Asia Cup 2025 trophy, leaving the Indian team without the opportunity to hold the trophy they won.

Even though the Indian team initiated the controversy by refusing to accept the trophy from ACC President Naqvi, the BCCI has opted to take the matter to the ICC. Secretary Saika has verified their intention to lodge a formal complaint against Naqvi regarding the trophy situation during the upcoming meeting of the primary cricket governing body in November.