In a dramatic and unprecedented finale to the 2025 Asia Cup, India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in a thrilling finish at the Dubai International Stadium — yet refused to accept the winner’s trophy from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Asia Cricket Council (ACC) President, Mohsin Naqvi.
The presentation ceremony, already delayed by over an hour, came to a premature end before the trophy handover could take place. Indian players accepted only their individual awards — avoiding any interaction with Naqvi — while the trophy and medals were taken off the stage.
Players Protest the Ceremony
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed India’s refusal to take the trophy from Naqvi, citing his dual role as ACC President and a senior Pakistani official. “We have decided not to take the Asia Cup trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the main leaders of Pakistan,” he said.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed his frustration:
“I’ve never seen a champion team being denied a trophy, and that too a hard-earned one … I feel we deserved it.”
He added that the real rewards for the team were the hard work, the camaraderie of the 14-member squad, and the support staff — not necessarily the physical trophy.
Political Backdrop and Accusations
The tension between the two sides had simmered throughout the tournament. Indian players had earlier declined handshake overtures and avoided engagement with Pakistani players — signaling deeper political and diplomatic tensions underlying the cricketing contest.
Critics suggest that Naqvi’s social media activity — including reposting images with provocative symbolism — further inflamed the situation. India had reportedly proposed that the Emirates Cricket Board Vice Chairman present the trophy instead, but Naqvi refused to cede his role.
Responses & Fallout
Pakistan captain Salman Agha criticized the Indian side’s conduct, saying their refusal to accept the trophy and handshake overtures amounted to a disrespect to the sport of cricket, not just Pakistan.
On the Indian side, BCCI has vowed to formally protest the episode at the upcoming ICC meeting. They also announced a cash reward of ₹21 crore for the victorious team.
Meanwhile, in the absence of a physical trophy, Indian players resorted to a symbolic celebration — staging an “imaginary trophy” moment on the field.
