India-Pakistan Set for November Clash in Revamped Asia Cup; Trophy Row Lingers

Trophy Tussle Adds Drama to Historic Rivalry

The cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan is poised for another thrilling chapter this November following a new proposal by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The announcement comes amid a lingering controversy surrounding the 2025 Asia Cup trophy, which India won but never received.

India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the T20 Asia Cup 2025 final, marking their third consecutive victory over their arch-rivals in the tournament. However, celebrations were overshadowed by a bizarre standoff — PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi allegedly refused to hand over the trophy, insisting that Indian players should personally collect it from him. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused, calling the move “unprofessional and provocative.”

The trophy, according to reports, remains with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), adding to the diplomatic chill between the two boards.

New Asia Cup Editions Announced

Undeterred by the fallout, Naqvi has unveiled two fresh Asia Cup tournaments designed to “expand the spirit of Asian cricket.” The first, titled the Asia Cup Rising Stars, will replace the Emerging Asia Cup and is scheduled to take place from November 14 to 23 in Doha, Qatar.

This revamped edition will feature eight teams, including “A” squads from Test-playing nations alongside top associate teams. The format opens the door for an India–Pakistan rematch under neutral conditions — an encounter that promises to capture the imagination of global cricket fans.

A second tournament, the Under-19 Asia Cup, is also in the pipeline for December 2025, though the final venue and dates remain undecided.

BCCI’s Stand: Trophy First, Matches Later

The BCCI has maintained a guarded stance on India’s participation in the proposed events. Sources close to the board suggest that India may demand the official return of the 2025 Asia Cup trophy before confirming its involvement in the Rising Stars tournament.

“The matter is not about one trophy; it’s about sportsmanship,” a senior BCCI official reportedly said. “Cricket thrives on respect between boards. We cannot endorse theatrics that undermine the spirit of the game.”

Trophy Saga: Symbol of a Broader Rift

The Asia Cup trophy dispute has grown symbolic of the broader strain in India–Pakistan cricketing relations, which have been frozen at the bilateral level for nearly a decade. The two nations now meet only in ICC or ACC tournaments, where encounters are highly charged both on and off the field.

Naqvi, however, appears intent on using the controversy to spotlight PCB’s assertiveness. “Any Indian player is free to come and take the trophy,” he reportedly said, a remark that has since gone viral on social media and sparked debate among cricket enthusiasts.

Fans Anticipate High-Voltage Cricket — On and Off the Field

Despite the off-field friction, fans across South Asia are already buzzing with anticipation. The potential India–Pakistan face-off in Doha this November could not only revive cricket’s most storied rivalry but also provide a chance for both sides to settle scores — both sporting and symbolic.

As the saga over the missing Asia Cup trophy continues, one thing is certain: cricket lovers around the world can once again expect fireworks when India and Pakistan step onto the field.