Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing to formally protest against Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi after a dramatic turn of events during the Asia Cup final presentation ceremony in Dubai. The controversy erupted when Naqvi allegedly walked away with the winner’s trophy after India declined to accept it directly from him.
BCCI To Raise Objection At ACC Meeting
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that vice-president Rajiv Shukla and treasurer Ashish Shelar will raise the issue at the forthcoming ACC meeting in Dubai. If the matter is not resolved satisfactorily, the BCCI is prepared to escalate it to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“This was an act without any precedent. Naqvi had no right to remove the trophy. We will lodge a strong protest, and if necessary, take this to the ICC,” Saikia stated. He also expressed hope that Naqvi would promptly return both the trophy and the medals.
Trophy Ceremony Delay Adds To Frustration
The Asia Cup final, which saw India edge out Pakistan by five wickets, was followed by a 90-minute delay in the presentation ceremony. The prolonged wait and subsequent removal of the trophy by Naqvi left Indian officials fuming.
“It was very unfortunate and unsporting. Our representatives were prepared with the medals, but the ceremony was delayed unnecessarily. Such incidents damage the spirit of the game,” Saikia remarked.
Wider Implications Beyond The Field
In a symbolic statement, Saikia compared India’s Asia Cup victory to the country’s counterterror operations earlier this year, framing it as a moment of national pride.
While senior BCCI office-bearers did not travel for the final, the board confirmed that several former Indian women’s team captains will attend the Women’s World Cup opening in Guwahati.
With tensions escalating, the Asia Cup trophy row threatens to strain ties further between the BCCI and the ACC, setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation at cricket’s international forums.
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