Trophy Tug-of-War: Asia Cup Controversy Escalates

The ongoing deadlock over the Asia Cup trophy, which India is yet to receive, remains unresolved amidst tensions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), led by Pakistan's Mohsin Naqvi. Despite backing from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka's cricket boards, the trophy's handover is stuck in limbo.

An ACC source disclosed to PTI that Naqvi is demanding a representative from BCCI to personally collect the trophy from the council's headquarters in Dubai. However, the Indian board has firmly rejected this demand, highlighting the likelihood of the matter being taken up at an upcoming ICC meeting.

The Asia Cup trophy has remained at the ACC headquarters since a contentious presentation ceremony on September 28, where the Indian team declined to receive it from Naqvi. The political overtones of the dispute have underscored the sports rivalry between India and Pakistan, evidenced by strained interactions and social media jibes throughout the tournament.