Asia Cup 2025 delivered thrilling cricket action as India secured a dramatic victory over Pakistan in Dubai. However, the post-match trophy presentation became a major talking point. Despite winning, the Indian cricket team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister.

The Controversial Trophy Presentation

After India’s win, Rinku Singh hit the winning runs while Tilak Verma remained unbeaten on 69, playing a key role in the chase. The Indian team celebrated enthusiastically on the field, but the post-match trophy ceremony faced delays. Pakistan’s players, led by Salman Ali Agha, stayed in the dressing room for nearly an hour.

India had previously avoided handshakes with Pakistan players in all three Asia Cup matches and had skipped the pre-toss photoshoot, signaling a diplomatic stance. When India requested Emirates Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni to hand over the trophy, the request was denied. Mohsin Naqvi insisted on conducting the presentation himself and subsequently withdrew the trophy when India refused to accept it.

Crowd Reaction and Player Celebration

When Naqvi appeared on stage, Indian fans in the stadium booed and chanted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”. Pakistani players, including Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi, were also jeered. Despite the absence of the physical trophy, the Indian team celebrated on the field. Hardik Pandya took a selfie with the “champions” placard, and captain Suryakumar Yadav mimicked Rohit Sharma’s 2024 T20 World Cup walk, celebrating with an imaginary trophy.

Statements from India and Pakistan

Suryakumar Yadav expressed disappointment over the organisers’ decision, stating, “I have never seen a champion team being denied a trophy, that too a hard-earned one.” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia added that India’s stance was clear, but the removal of the trophy and medals was unsportsmanlike, vowing to launch a serious protest at the ICC conference in Dubai this November.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha defended Naqvi’s actions, saying, “If he is the ACC president, then he will only give the trophy. If you don’t want to take it from him, how will you get a trophy?”

What Happens Next?

The Asia Cup 2025 final will be remembered not just for India’s thrilling win, but also for the post-match controversy. The BCCI plans to raise the issue formally at the ICC, seeking the return of the trophy and medals to India.

Despite the drama, India remains the Asia Cup 2025 champions, celebrated both on the field and by fans worldwide.