BCCI Demand To Pak’s Naqvi: Hand Over The Asia Cup Trophy

NEW DELHI-The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) raised strong objections at the Asian Cricket Council meeting over the controversy surrounding the winner’s trophy and the post-match presentation drama created by ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

The BCCI was represented at the meeting by Rajeev Shukla, who is learnt to have confronted Naqvi with tough questions. “Why was the trophy not handed over to the winning team? The ACC trophy is not the personal property of any individual,” Shukla reportedly said during the discussions.

According to sources, Naqvi, who is also the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and Pakistan’s Interior Minister, claimed there was no written communication to the ACC stating that the Indian team would not accept the trophy from him.

A controversy had erupted at the presentation ceremony soon after India defeated Pakistan in the final, with captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team refusing to receive the trophy from Naqvi. The Indian team had also decided not to shake hands with the Pakistan players in the first two matches.

During the meeting, Naqvi reportedly refused to congratulate India on their Asia Cup triumph, instead extending congratulations only to Nepal and Mongolia on their induction into the ACC, sources added.

BCCI made its position clear during the meeting: “The trophy must be handed over to us. If needed, we will collect it directly from the ACC office.”

However, ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi remained defiant, suggesting the matter should be discussed further. The BCCI, sources said, is refusing to entertain any negotiations, asserting: “There is no discussion — the trophy belongs to us.” Despite repeated demands, Naqvi has still not agreed to hand over the trophy. The BCCI is now preparing to file an official complaint with the ICC. (IANS)