When sport meets diplomacy in Asia
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans to raise the Asia Cup 2025 trophy-handover dispute at the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) board meeting. This issue arose when India refused to accept the tournament trophy from Pakistan’s sports minister after the final match. The incident has reignited debates over protocol, sportsmanship, and political undertones in Asian cricket.
While it may seem like a simple gesture, the moment reflects a deeper link between sports and diplomacy in the region.
The Asia Cup final and the flashpoint
India defeated Sri Lanka in the 2025 Asia Cup final held in Lahore. The match ended without major controversy—until the presentation ceremony. Indian captain Rohit Sharma declined to accept the trophy from Pakistan’s sports minister. Instead, he received it from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairperson.
Though polite, the move was widely viewed as a symbolic protest amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The video of the moment quickly spread online. Public reactions were mixed. Some supported India’s stance, while others felt it brought politics into the game.
At first, ACC officials considered the matter closed. However, BCCI insiders now say the board will revisit it at the ICC meeting. Their concern centers on the precedent this sets for future tournaments hosted in politically sensitive regions.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah stated that the board would seek formal clarification on who should present awards and how such protocols should be handled under the ACC framework.
Managing perception and policy
The BCCI sees this not as a single incident, but as part of a broader governance issue. It wants cricket events—especially those involving rivals like India and Pakistan—to follow clearer rules on political presence during official ceremonies.
India’s cricket leadership has long said that sports diplomacy must align with national policy. By taking this to the ICC and ACC, the BCCI hopes to formalize codes of conduct for presentations and ceremonies. These would aim to create neutral spaces, free from political tension.
An ACC official, speaking anonymously, noted that India’s request is “not about confrontation.” Instead, it’s about ensuring that athletes receive recognition in a respectful and apolitical setting.
This effort also supports India’s broader diplomatic position. The BCCI has consistently limited sporting ties with Pakistan outside ICC events. By raising the issue, it reinforces its stance while pushing for region-wide reforms in cricket governance.
India’s influence in global cricket is hard to ignore. The ICC’s own records show that India contributes nearly 70% of worldwide broadcast revenue. This gives the BCCI considerable power in shaping global cricket policies. The ICC meeting, expected to be held in Singapore, will likely dedicate time to address the controversy and future protocols.
Cricket as a stage for Asian geopolitics
The Asia Cup dispute highlights a recurring theme—cricket often reflects the political climate in South Asia. National teams serve as symbols of pride, and small gestures can become loaded with meaning.
Past events show similar patterns. Bilateral India–Pakistan series have been suspended, and neutral venues like the UAE have been used to avoid political friction. These examples show how cricket often acts as a barometer of diplomatic relations in the region.
For India, avoiding the trophy handover was a message, not just to Pakistan but to the international community. For the ACC, this creates challenges. It must balance inclusivity with neutrality, especially when rivalries run deep.
As Asian cricket grows in global importance, managing such tensions becomes vital. Governance frameworks must now consider political sensitivity alongside sporting excellence.
A call for clarity and cooperation
The ICC meeting may lead to new guidelines for host nations. These could include clearer rules on who appears at award ceremonies—especially in high-stakes tournaments involving politically tense relationships.
BCCI officials are expected to propose that government officials not play a central role in presentations. Instead, cricketing bodies or neutral figures would take on ceremonial roles. This would help protect the spirit of the game from political disputes.
Pakistan’s cricket board (PCB) has played down the incident, saying it respects India’s position but believes the issue is “overblown.” Still, diplomats on both sides agree that such moments show how cricket remains tied to national identity and image.
Going forward, the ACC and ICC may need to act as buffers. Their role will be to ensure that cricket stays fair and inclusive, even when national tensions rise.
The BCCI’s push for a formal review isn’t just about one event. It could shape how future tournaments handle protocol and presentation—especially in Asia’s complex geopolitical landscape.
A defining moment for sports diplomacy in Asia
The trophy-handover controversy at the Asia Cup may seem symbolic, but its impact could be lasting. As the BCCI takes the issue to the ICC, cricket’s leaders must decide how to balance tradition, neutrality, and politics.
If this leads to new presentation standards, the sport could emerge stronger—more professional and less vulnerable to political disruption. In a region where cricket is more than just a game, this small act could redefine the rules of engagement.
