The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed the reasons behind the Indian cricket team's refusal to accept the Asia Cup 2025 trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president, Mohsin Naqvi, after their victory against Pakistan in the final. The BCCI has also threatened action against Naqvi for allegedly withholding the trophy.

According to reports, the Indian team had informed organizers beforehand that they would not step on stage if Naqvi attempted to hand over the trophy. Following India's five-wicket win over Pakistan, the presentation ceremony was delayed for over an hour as officials scrambled for a solution. While individual awards were presented, the main trophy was kept aside and later removed from the stage.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the decision was deliberate. He stated that the BCCI had decided not to accept the trophy from the ACC chairman, who is also a senior leader in Pakistan. Saikia explained that this decision stemmed from political tensions and was a conscious choice made by the BCCI. He emphasized that India is fighting a war with Pakistan, and it was deemed inappropriate for a leader from that country to hand over the trophy.

Saikia also condemned Naqvi's actions, alleging that he "ran away" with the Asia Cup trophy to his hotel room after the Indian players refused to accept it from him. He described this behavior as "extremely unfortunate and unsportsmanlike" and expressed hope that the trophy and medals would be returned to India as soon as possible.

The BCCI secretary announced that they would be lodging a strong protest against Naqvi's actions at the next ICC conference, scheduled for November. He also stated that the BCCI would be taking up the matter with the ACC.

Sources suggest that the immediate trigger for the Indian cricketers' refusal was Naqvi's reposting of provocative images on social media platform X. These included an image titled "Final Day" showing Pakistani cricketers in flight suits with fighter jets in the background. Earlier in the tournament, Naqvi had also posted a picture of Cristiano Ronaldo depicting a crashing plane.

The incident has sparked widespread criticism and controversy. Indian fans inside the stadium booed loudly and chanted "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" as Naqvi walked on stage. Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian captain, expressed his disappointment, stating that it was the first time in his career that a winning team had been denied the trophy. He emphasized that the team's refusal was a collective decision.

Despite the controversy, the Indian team celebrated their victory on the empty dais, without the trophy or medals. Suryakumar Yadav and other players later posted pictures on social media with trophy emoticons, seemingly mocking Naqvi's actions.

The BCCI has announced a cash reward of ₹21 crore for the Indian team for their Asia Cup victory. The board has also assured fans that it will take all necessary steps to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. The Asia Cup 2025 final, instead of being celebrated as India’s ninth continental triumph, will be remembered for the controversy surrounding the trophy presentation.