Mohsin Naqvi. (AP Photo)

Mohsin Naqvi, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official at the center of the Asia Cup trophy controversy, is set to leave for Lahore today. His departure comes as the dispute over the trophy continues to escalate.

Sources reveal that Naqvi, the ACC president, suggested that India T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, travel to Dubai to personally collect the trophy. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) responded firmly, stating, “He didn’t take the trophy when it was handed in front of him – what makes you think he will fly now?”

During the ACC meeting on Tuesday, Naqvi apologised to the BCCI, acknowledging that the situation should not have unfolded the way it did. Despite this apology, he has continued to withhold the trophy and the medals.

In response, the BCCI has reportedly decided to take strict action.

Sources indicate that the board plans to file a formal complaint with Dubai Police, accusing Naqvi of theft and unlawful possession of the trophy. The situation is now poised to escalate, with both boards bracing for further fallout.

The Asia Cup Trophy Fiasco Explained

In the lead up to the Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan, Naqvi reportedly reposted pictures depicting a couple of Pakistani cricketers wearing fight suits with fighter jets in the background via his social media account. This after he had shared a picture of Cristiano Ronaldo depicting a plane going down.

Irked by Naqvi’s antics, the Indian team refused to share the dais with him after winning the Asia Cup title. Naqvi, who is also the interior minister of Pakistan, remained adamant on handing the trophy and medals himself and thus stalling the awards ceremony before it abruptly ended. Naqvi then stormed out of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium with trophy and medals meant for the Indian players, triggering a huge controversy.

Suryakumar later slammed the turn of events.

“I have never seen a champion (team) not getting a trophy. We deserved it. The real trophies are my 14 colleagues and they will stay in my memory,” Suryakumar Yadav said in the post-match media interaction.