Why Did the BCCI Object to Mohsin Naqvi Over Asia Cup Trophy Incident?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BCCI's Objection: The BCCI's strong stance on trophy handover highlights ongoing tensions in cricket diplomacy.
- Naqvi's Behavior: Mohsin Naqvi's actions during the ceremony have drawn criticism and raised questions about sportsmanship.
- Direct Action: The BCCI's readiness to retrieve the trophy directly indicates their commitment to asserting rights.
- International Relations: The incident underscores the delicate nature of India-Pakistan relations within the context of sports.
- Future Complaints: The BCCI's intent to lodge a complaint with the ICC reflects seriousness about the situation.
New Delhi, Sep 30 (NationPress) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed serious concerns during the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting regarding the decision to withhold the winner's trophy from the Indian team. Sources informed IANS that the tensions arose from the behavior of ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi during the post-match award ceremony.
Representing the BCCI, Rajeev Shukla reportedly challenged Naqvi with pointed inquiries, asking, “Why was the trophy not presented to the victorious team? The ACC trophy is not the personal property of any individual,” as stated in the discussions.
Sources indicated that Naqvi asserted there was no written notification to the ACC indicating that the Indian team would refuse to accept the trophy. Furthermore, he refrained from congratulating India on their Asia Cup victory during the meeting, instead extending his congratulations to Nepal and Mongolia for their membership in the ACC, intentionally omitting India.
The BCCI made its stance clear during the meeting, emphasizing, “The trophy must be handed over to us. If necessary, we will retrieve it directly from the ACC office.”
However, Naqvi remained obstinate, suggesting that the issue warranted further discussion. The BCCI, according to sources, is adamant and refuses to engage in negotiations, stating, “There will be no discussions — the trophy belongs to us.”
Despite numerous requests, Naqvi has yet to agree to hand over the trophy. The BCCI is currently preparing to lodge an official complaint with the ICC.
A controversy erupted during the presentation ceremony shortly after India triumphed over Pakistan in the final, where Surya Kumar Yadav and his teammates declined to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and the country's Interior Minister.
Notably, the Indian team had previously opted not to shake hands with the Pakistani players in the initial two matches.