ACC Chairman Mohin Nakhvi reiterates trophy handover plan for Asia Cup
The controversy surrounding the Asia Cup trophy has intensified with ACC Chairman Mohin Nakhvi stating that the trophy should be handed over by him in person. Speaking from the ACC office in Dubai, Nakhvi said he is prepared to present the trophy to the Asia Cup winner, INDIA, at the ACC headquarters. He emphasized that there was no misstep on his part and that he has never apologized to the BCCI, countering persistent speculation to the contrary.
What Nakhvi publicly asserted
In his remarks, Nakhvi asserted that the plan to award the trophy personally was conceived on the day of the ceremony and that he remains ready to carry out that duty. “If they truly want the trophy, they can come to the ACC office and take it from me,” he said. He underscored that he had done nothing wrong and that an apology to the BCCI would not be forthcoming, a line that has become a focal point in the ongoing discourse around the trophy handover.
Rising rumors: UAE board and the absent confirmation
As discussions swirled about the trophy’s next destination, reports suggested that the UAE Cricket Board might receive the Asia Cup trophy due to alleged intimidation threats from the BCCI. However, neither the ACC nor the UAE board has formally confirmed such a move. The absence of official confirmation has left fans and analysts waiting for a clear statement on how the trophy transfer will finally unfold.
Context: Why the trophy handover matters
The Asia Cup trophy handover has long been more than a ceremonial gesture; it symbolizes the culmination of a high-stakes regional competition and the relationships among cricket boards in Asia. With the winner set to receive the trophy, the role of the host board and the organizing body—here, the ACC—becomes especially pronounced. Nakhvi’s stance channels a traditional expectation: the ACC President or an appointed official should personally deliver the trophy to the champions, reinforcing the credibility and solemnity of the achievement.
What this means for India and the Asia Cup
India, as the current Asia Cup winner in many editions, remains central to the narrative. The question now is how the trophy handover will occur, where it will take place, and under whose auspices. If Nakhvi’s statements hold, there will be a formal, transparent handover at the ACC office, with the trophy passing hands in a public, traceable setting. The unfolding timeline will likely hinge on official confirmations from the ACC, the UAE board, and other stakeholders, including the BCCI, whose reaction has so far been framed by ongoing rumors rather than concrete statements.
Next steps: awaiting official clarity
As the cricketing world watches, the key takeaway is that an official declaration from the ACC or the UAE board could settle the matter once and for all. Until then, Nakhvi’s insistence on readiness and his denial of any apology to the BCCI will continue to shape the discourse around the trophy’s destination and the ceremonial process that accompanies the Asia Cup legacy.
