The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan was one of the most anticipated cricket clashes in recent memory. India secured the championship with a commanding performance, lifting the trophy amid celebrations that resonated across the cricketing world. However, just a day later, an unexpected controversy overshadowed the victory.
Reports revealed that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi took the Asia Cup trophy to a hotel for a personal photo opportunity. This act drew immediate criticism from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), who asserted that the trophy rightly belonged with the Indian team and should not have been moved.
The Incident: Trophy Taken to Hotel
According to media reports, Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the PCB, carried the Asia Cup 2025 trophy to a hotel in Lahore, where he posed for pictures with it. Images of the PCB chief holding the trophy began circulating on social media, sparking outrage among Indian cricket fans and officials.
For the PCB, the move may have been intended as a symbolic gesture or a morale boost for Pakistani supporters. However, for India, which had officially won the Asia Cup final, the incident was seen as an unnecessary breach of protocol and cricketing etiquette.
BCCI’s Strong Reaction
The BCCI reacted sharply to Naqvi’s actions. Officials expressed disappointment, calling it an “inappropriate” move that disrespected the efforts of the Indian team, who had earned the right to keep and celebrate with the trophy.
The board reportedly lodged a formal complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
BCCI stressed that the Asia Cup trophy symbolizes victory and must remain with the winning team.
Indian officials further warned that such actions damage the spirit of the game and could set a negative precedent for future tournaments.
Why the Trophy Matters So Much
The Asia Cup is not just another cricket tournament; it is a symbol of continental supremacy. India and Pakistan’s rivalry adds an emotional edge, making every match historically significant.
For players and fans alike, lifting the trophy represents more than just winning a match. It encapsulates years of preparation, national pride, and the collective joy of millions of supporters.
Thus, when the trophy was seen in the hands of a rival board’s official soon after the final, it struck a nerve among Indian stakeholders.
Timeline of the Controversy
September 28, 2025: India defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup final.
September 29, 2025: Mohsin Naqvi was photographed with the trophy at a hotel.
Same Day: Social media erupted with criticism, especially from Indian fans.
Later: BCCI issued a statement condemning the act and approached the ACC.
Possible Motivations Behind PCB’s Move
While BCCI sees this as a breach, cricket observers have speculated on why Mohsin Naqvi might have taken such a step:
Symbolic Gesture: To boost Pakistan’s cricketing morale despite the loss.
Publicity Move: To project PCB leadership as central to Pakistan’s cricketing narrative.
Oversight or Miscommunication: It’s possible the gesture was not intended to spark controversy but was simply a lapse in protocol.
Social Media Backlash
The incident quickly went viral:
Indian fans accused PCB of trying to “hijack” the trophy moment.
Pakistani fans defended Naqvi, arguing that it was a harmless act.
Memes, hashtags, and debates flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
This digital storm amplified the controversy far beyond cricketing circles, making it an international talking point.
BCCI vs PCB: A History of Tensions
This controversy isn’t happening in isolation. The BCCI and PCB have often clashed over issues such as:
Venue decisions for bilateral series.
Neutral grounds for tournaments.
Political tensions spilling into cricketing diplomacy.
The trophy incident is now the latest entry in a long list of disputes that underline the fragile relationship between the two boards.
Official Response from ACC
Though no detailed statement has been made at the time of writing, sources suggest the Asian Cricket Council is reviewing the matter. The ACC will likely stress the importance of maintaining decorum in official protocols surrounding trophies and team celebrations.
Final Thoughts
Cricket is more than a sport in South Asia—it’s a matter of national pride. The Asia Cup 2025 final was already emotionally charged, and India’s victory added to the celebrations. But the trophy controversy involving PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has stirred unnecessary friction between two already tense cricketing boards.
While BCCI’s outrage is understandable, it also highlights the need for clear guidelines on trophy protocols to avoid similar incidents in the future. At the end of the day, trophies should symbolize respect for the game and its players—not political or personal statements.
FAQs
Q1. Who won the Asia Cup 2025 final?
India defeated Pakistan to win the Asia Cup 2025.
Q2. Why is Mohsin Naqvi in controversy?
Naqvi, the PCB chief, was seen taking the Asia Cup trophy to a hotel after the final for photographs.
Q3. What was BCCI’s reaction?
BCCI condemned the act, calling it inappropriate and against the spirit of cricket.
Q4. Can the ACC take action in such cases?
Yes, the Asian Cricket Council oversees protocols and may issue formal advisories or warnings.
Q5. Has such a controversy happened before?
While there have been disputes between boards, a trophy-handling controversy of this kind is rare.
