BCCI Official Walks Out of ACC Meeting Over Asia Cup Trophy Row

The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan may be over, but the controversy around the trophy handover continues to dominate headlines. In a dramatic twist, a BCCI ex-officio member left the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting midway, alleging that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi gave no clarity over the trophy drama in Dubai.

This walkout has deepened the rift between two of Asia’s biggest cricketing boards, with India demanding accountability and transparency from ACC’s top leadership. With fans still buzzing about the high-voltage final, the off-field disputes have added another layer of intrigue.

The walkout: What exactly happened at the ACC meeting

According to officials present, the heated exchange took place when the Indian representative raised the matter of how PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi carried away the Asia Cup trophy after the final in Dubai, sparking outrage among Indian officials and fans.

• The BCCI representative asked for a formal explanation.
• Naqvi reportedly avoided giving a direct answer, leading to growing tension.
• Frustrated by the lack of clarity, the Indian official staged a walkout.

The incident underscores the fragile ties within the ACC, especially between BCCI and PCB, two boards with long-standing differences.

(Read next: Inside details of trophy row at Dubai stadium)

Background: The Asia Cup trophy controversy

The uproar began shortly after the final when videos surfaced showing PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi leaving the venue with the Asia Cup trophy. Traditionally, the trophy remains with the winning team’s board. India, having defeated Pakistan in the final, expected BCCI to retain the cup.

Instead, visuals of Naqvi holding the trophy went viral, sparking questions:

• Why was the PCB chief allowed to take the trophy?
• Did the ACC approve this?
• Was it symbolic or an administrative lapse?

The lack of transparency has fueled speculation and intensified tensions between the two boards.

Why BCCI sees this as a serious issue

For the BCCI, the issue is not merely symbolic—it touches upon protocol, respect, and authority within Asian cricket.

• Protocol breach: Trophies traditionally belong to the winning team, not rival officials.
• Fan sentiment: Millions of Indian fans saw the visuals as a slight.
• Governance concern: India, as ACC’s financial backbone, demands accountability from its leadership.

The walkout signals BCCI’s intent to escalate the matter unless ACC offers clarity.

Reactions from cricket circles

The episode has triggered a storm of reactions:

• BCCI insiders: Call it “an insult to Indian cricket.”
• PCB sources: Downplay the incident as a “misunderstanding.”
• Fans on social media: Divide sharply along national lines, with hashtags like #TrophyRow trending across India and Pakistan.

Cricket analysts say this controversy could overshadow the tournament’s success and impact upcoming multilateral talks.

(Also read: India vs Pakistan rivalry – Beyond the pitch)

Bigger picture: What it means for ACC and Asian cricket

The ACC has long struggled to balance the power dynamics between BCCI and PCB. With India contributing the lion’s share of revenue and Pakistan often holding hosting rights, friction has been frequent.

If unresolved, the trophy row may:

• Affect India’s participation in ACC-hosted events.
• Trigger a push for reforms in how ACC handles protocols.
• Undermine the council’s credibility at a global level.

This is not just about a trophy—it is about control, representation, and trust in Asian cricket governance.

Conclusion: A storm that refuses to settle

The walkout by the BCCI ex-officio member has ensured that the trophy row will not fade quickly. With the Asia Cup meant to symbolize unity in Asian cricket, the incident ironically highlights its deep divisions.

All eyes are now on the ACC: Will it issue a clarification, or will the dispute spiral into yet another flashpoint between India and Pakistan in the world of cricket?