Unyielding BCCI Prepared to Lodge Bold Protest Against ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi After Intense India-Pakistan Asia Cup Drama
MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing to lodge a formal protest against Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), after he reportedly took the Asia Cup trophy following India’s refusal to accept it in Dubai on Sunday. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the board’s stance, stating, “We had decided not to take the trophy from Mr. Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister. However, this does not justify him taking the trophy away.”
Saikia emphasized that BCCI representatives, including vice-president Rajiv Shukla and Ashish Shelar, would address the matter at an ACC meeting scheduled for Tuesday in Dubai. He expressed discontent with Naqvi’s actions, asserting, “Our representatives will raise a serious objection regarding the ACC chairperson’s unlawful retention of the trophy. He has no right to keep it.” If the ACC fails to heed the BCCI’s concerns, the board has indicated it will escalate the issue to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
In an urgent call for resolution, Saikia remarked, “I hope Mr. Naqvi will think sensibly and return the trophy and the medals to us.” He outlined plans to file a formal protest at the ICC conference set for the first week of November, reiterating the seriousness of the situation.
The BCCI’s officials did not attend the Asia Cup final, opting instead to support the opening ceremony of the Women’s World Cup in Guwahati. Following India’s thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan, the team celebrated on the podium without the trophy, which heightened tensions during the presentation ceremony. The event was marred by delays and frustrations, ultimately culminating in the presenter walking away with the trophy instead of handing it to the victorious captain.
Additionally, the BCCI announced a cash prize totaling ₹21 crore for the Indian squad, which includes both players and support staff, immediately after India captured the Asia Cup for the ninth time. In a striking comparison, Saikia asserted that the team’s achievement mirrored the bravery of Indian armed forces, recalling the Operation Sindoor mission held in May after a series of terror attacks in Pahalgam. “We are immensely proud of our team. They have performed magnificently on the cricket field, akin to how our forces safeguard our country,” he stated.
The ongoing dispute underscores not just the competitive nature of cricket in the region but also the heightened political tensions between India and Pakistan. All eyes are now on the upcoming ACC meeting, as the BCCI seeks to secure the return of the trophy and address broader concerns surrounding the Asia Cup and its governance.
This situation serves as a reminder of the intertwining of sport and politics, prompting further scrutiny of how such dynamics affect cricket in Asia. As the BCCI prepares to voice its grievances formally, the world will be watching to see if a resolution can be reached or if it will escalate into a larger controversy within international cricket.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/bcci-set-to-lodge-protest-against-acc-chief-mohsin-naqvi-after-india-pakistan-asia-cup-drama/articleshow/124216037.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-09-29 23:38:00
