New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): A diplomatic row has cast a shadow over India’s Asia Cup 2025 victory, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken strong objection to the removal of the winners’ trophy and medals by Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister.
Following India’s five-wicket win against Pakistan in a high-stakes final in Dubai, the Indian players refrained from receiving the trophy during the official presentation. The team had earlier communicated its unwillingness to accept the award from Naqvi due to geopolitical tensions.
However, what followed caught the attention of cricketing authorities and fans worldwide. With no alternate presenter agreed upon, and after prolonged delays, the trophy and medals were reportedly taken away from the venue — a move that BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia described as “highly inappropriate and against the spirit of the game.”
“Just because India chose not to take the trophy from the ACC President does not give anyone the right to carry it away. It reflects poorly on the organisers,” Saikia said.
India had requested the Emirates Cricket Board’s vice-chairman, Khalid Al Zarooni, to handle the presentation duties, but the ACC declined the proposal. What was expected to be a moment of celebration turned into confusion and controversy, with Indian players left to mark their win with symbolic gestures — raising imaginary trophies to the applause of fans.
The BCCI has confirmed it will lodge an official complaint with the International Cricket Council during its upcoming conference in November, demanding the prompt return of the original trophy and medals.
Meanwhile, political overtones added another layer to the controversy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew parallels between the cricket victory and recent military operations, calling it “#OperationSindoor” in a post that quickly went viral. Responding to this, Saikia remarked:
“What happened on the border was Operation Sindoor. What we witnessed on the cricket field was Operation Killa — a powerful message delivered through sport.”
He also reiterated India’s position on cricketing ties with Pakistan, stating that no bilateral series will take place under current circumstances. India will only meet Pakistan in multi-nation tournaments due to global obligations.
To celebrate the win — despite the award fiasco — the BCCI announced a ₹21 crore prize for the Indian team, acknowledging their consistent performance throughout the competition.
As reactions pour in from across the cricketing world, the incident has sparked debate over the intersection of politics and sport, and whether neutral platforms are being compromised. All eyes are now on the ICC, which is expected to take up the matter in its November meet.
