ACC Meeting in Dubai Leaves India Trophyless

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) held a meeting in Dubai on Tuesday, attended by representatives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), including vice-president Rajeev Shukla and former treasurer Ashish Shelar. The meeting, chaired by Mohsin Naqvi, did not address the issue of the Asia Cup trophy and winners’ medals for India, who won the tournament by defeating Pakistan in the final.

Sources indicate that Naqvi failed to acknowledge India's victory in his opening remarks. It was only after Shelar intervened that Naqvi offered congratulations. An official present at the meeting remarked, "There was no intention to resolve any matter from PCB and ACC Chair Naqvi. He had all the time to talk about everything under the sun, but didn't acknowledge India winning. It was very strange to see how he conducted himself in the meeting."

The BCCI has taken a firm stance on the matter. Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the board plans to lodge a strong protest during the upcoming ICC meeting later this year. Shelar reiterated this point, emphasizing that they requested Naqvi to send the trophy and medals to the ACC office, but he declined.

"He kept beating around the bush. Shelar put his foot down and asked him to send the trophy and medals to the ACC office, and BCCI will themselves arrange the logistics of getting it back to India. Imagine, he didn't even agree to that," the official added.

The situation remains unresolved, with the BCCI preparing to formally protest at the ICC meeting in Dubai. The ACC is expected to convene again soon to address this ongoing issue. Following the Asia Cup final, the Indian team left the venue without the trophy and medals, as Naqvi insisted on retaining them, leading to confusion and a delayed presentation.