Naqvi proposes Dubai ceremony for Asia Cup trophy amid India dispute

Mohsin Naqvi, who chairs the Asian Cricket Council and the Pakistan Cricket Board, has declined to hand the Asia Cup trophy to the Indian team and has instead proposed a formal presentation ceremony in Dubai, prolonging a diplomatic and sporting standoff that began after the tournament final. The dispute stems from India’s refusal to accept the trophy at the postmatch presentation in Dubai last month and from Naqvi’s dual role as ACC chief and Pakistan’s interior minister.

India clinched the Asia Cup title after defeating Pakistan in the final. At the closing ceremony the Indian players did not approach Naqvi to receive the trophy, and the usual handshakes between the sides did not take place. Naqvi subsequently took the trophy to the ACC’s offices in Dubai and issued instructions that it not be moved or handed over without his approval and personal presence, officials said.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has repeatedly asked for the trophy to be handed over to the winning team or delivered to ACC headquarters for official collection. Naqvi has countered by proposing a staged ceremony in Dubai and asking that an Indian player or delegation attend to receive the...