In a stunning turn of events at the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai, the Indian cricket team refused to accept the winner's trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi after defeating Pakistan. The incident has sparked controversy and drawn attention to the strained relationship between the two cricketing nations.
India secured their ninth Asia Cup title by defeating Pakistan by five wickets in a thrilling final. However, after the match, the Indian team collectively decided not to take to the stage and receive the trophy in protest against the presence of Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Pakistan's Interior Minister.
The presentation ceremony was delayed by over an hour, and presenter Simon Doull eventually announced that the Indian team would not be collecting their award. While some Indian players accepted individual awards, the team as a whole did not pose with the trophy. Kuldeep Yadav received the Best Bowler award, and Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Tournament.
Sources indicate that the Indian team management had inquired about who would be presenting the trophy, and upon realizing it was Naqvi, the ACC officials held a meeting. It was also reported that Indian fans in the stands booed Naqvi and chanted "Bharat Mata Ki Jai". The Indian team conveyed that they would not accept the trophy from Naqvi and would lodge an official protest if he attempted to present it.
The decision has been interpreted as a firm stance against the ACC and PCB president. Some reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed the players to decline the trophy from Naqvi.
The incident has overshadowed India's victory and sparked discussions about the political undertones in cricket matches between India and Pakistan. Despite the controversy, Pakistan's team attended the medal presentation and accepted the runners-up prize.
The Asia Cup final has become memorable not only for India's victory but also for the symbolic trophy snub, highlighting the complex dynamics between the two nations.
