Mohsin Naqvi backs out of ICC meet as BCCI gears up to demand the missing Asia Cup trophy

Politics and cricket have clashed once more, and this time the trophy is nowhere to be found. Mohsin Naqvi, who heads Pakistan’s PCB and serves as ACC chairman, has missed the ICC meeting right when the BCCI was set to bring up the Asia Cup trophy situation.

Officially, he claims it’s because of “political pressure” back in Pakistan, but the timing seems a bit too convenient. Is this genuinely about politics, or is it just a clever way to dodge India’s inquiries?

Mohsin Naqvi’s continued absence from ICC meetings sparks speculation of deliberate avoidance

Naqvi’s choice to miss the ICC meeting is due to “domestic political issues” in Pakistan. As both PCB Chairman and Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Naqvi is under increasing pressure from the instability of the coalition government and ongoing protests, although the details are not clear.

PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Syed will stand in for the board at the chief executives’ session on November 7, and Naqvi might join in remotely. It’s worth noting that Naqvi has been skipping ICC board meetings since Shah took over, which has led to speculation about his intentional avoidance related to the trophy controversy.

There hasn’t been any direct comment from Naqvi regarding his absence, but PCB insiders have shared the political reasons with PTI, stressing that it was unavoidable. This adds another layer to the PCB’s defensive strategy, which includes preparing a legal dossier to address any potential ICC criticism.

Mohsin Naqvi proposes Dubai ceremony for trophy handover rejected by BCCI officials

With just ten days to go before November 3, 2025, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia contacted Naqvi, acting as the ACC Chairperson, to officially request the immediate transfer of the trophy to the BCCI offices in Mumbai. The letter pointed out the Indian team’s rightful claim as the champions of the continent.

In response, Naqvi proposed holding a separate in-person ceremony in Dubai for the trophy handover, but the BCCI declined, insisting on a direct transfer instead.

On November 3, 2025 the self-imposed deadline Saikia addressed the media via Asian News International (ANI), stating: “Ten days ago, we wrote to the ACC Chairperson, requesting that he hand over the trophy to the BCCI at the earliest.

However, to this day, we have not received the trophy. We are waiting for another day. If we do not get the trophy by 3 November, a meeting will be held at the ICC headquarters in Dubai. We will raise our grievance before the apex body of international cricket. I am sure ICC will do justice and help India get the trophy at the earliest.”

BCCI fires a warning to Mohsin Naqvi in light of the #AsiaCup trophy fiasco🚨

Secretary Devajit Saikia drags the ACC chief and mentioned that 🇮🇳 Team India Women got the #ICCWomensWorldCup2025 trophy "immediately"✅

FULL VIDEO: https://t.co/adzMy3dASF pic.twitter.com/6ql1Y0lvLY

— TOI Sports (@toisports) November 3, 2025

The BCCI had brought this up at an ACC meeting before, but there was no resolution. They seem ready to use the ICC platform, which will be led by former BCCI Secretary Jay Shah starting June 2024.

The saga reveals the persistent issues in cricket diplomacy, intensified by mixed hosting models and neutral venue mandates for India-Pakistan clashes.

With the trophy still undecided ahead of events like the ACC Rising Stars tournament, the ICC meeting might trigger sanctions or mediation, which could reshape the leadership dynamics within the ACC.

As boards gear up for conflict, the spotlight shifts from Suryakumar Yadav’s achievements on the field to the importance of administrative responsibility, challenging the unity of global cricket.