India clinched their ninth Asia Cup title on September 28, 2025, after a thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan in Dubai. However, the post-match celebrations were overshadowed by a controversy as the Indian team refused to collect the trophy and awards during the official presentation ceremony.
The refusal stemmed from the presence of Mohsin Naqvi, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), who is also Pakistan's Interior Minister. Reports suggest that the Indian team had reservations about receiving the trophy from Naqvi, given the existing political tensions and India's "no handshake" policy with Pakistani officials. It's been reported that Suryakumar Yadav and team told ACC that they won't collect the award from Naqvi. Following this, Naqvi reportedly left with the Asia Cup Trophy.
Adding to the drama, the Pakistan team was also delayed in appearing for the presentation ceremony, which led to booing from the fans. Simon Doull, the presenter for the ceremony, announced that the Indian team would not be collecting their awards, bringing the presentation to an abrupt halt.
Despite the absence of an official trophy presentation, the Indian team celebrated their victory with a mock trophy lift on the field. Pyrotechnics were set off as the team participated in their own celebratory moment, while officials from the presentation ceremony had already left.
The decision not to accept the trophy and awards sparked varied reactions. Some reports suggest that Mohsin Naqvi was left "red-faced" by the situation. There were also reports that Naqvi "ran away" with the trophy, leading to a disarrayed presentation ceremony. According to reports, post match presentation got delayed as Pakistan's Mohsin Naqvi wanted to be there at match presentation as he is Asian Cricket Council.
In the match itself, Pakistan got off to a strong start, but India's Kuldeep Yadav took 4 wickets for 30 runs. Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel both took 2 wickets each. India were reduced to 20/3 in their chase, but Tilak Varma scored 69 not out off 53 balls and Shivam Dube scored 33 off 22 to help India win.
Individual awards were still presented, with Abhishek Sharma being named Player of the Series for scoring 314 runs in 7 matches. Kuldeep Yadav was recognized as the Most Valuable Player and the Highest Wicket Taker of the Tournament with 17 wickets. Tilak Varma was named Player of the Match in the final for his match-winning innings. Shivam Dube was named Gamechanger of the Match.
India received US$30,000 as winners. The Indian team has won a total of USD 90,000 in the Asia Cup 2025. The Indian team has received a prize money of USD 300,000, which means a cumulative prize money of USD 390,000 in the Asia Cup 2025, equivalent to Rs 34.6 crore in Indian currency. The Asia Cup 2025 winners will receive $300,000.
