The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan concluded with India securing a record-extending ninth title, but the victory was overshadowed by a controversy involving the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief, Mohsin Naqvi. Following India's five-wicket win against Pakistan in Dubai, the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan's Interior Minister. This led to a standoff and ultimately, Naqvi left the presentation ceremony with the trophy.
Suryakumar Yadav, the India captain, expressed his shock and disappointment at the situation. "I think this is one thing which I have never seen since I started playing cricket, since I started following cricket, that a champion team is denied a trophy, that too a hard-earned one," Yadav stated in the post-match press conference. He further added, "I feel we deserved it. I can't say anything more, I think I've summed it up really well".
According to reports, the Indian team had informed the ACC that they would not accept the trophy from Naqvi. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly wanted a neutral executive to present the trophy, given Naqvi's political affiliations and perceived anti-India stance. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia labeled Naqvi's actions as "unethical," emphasizing that the trophy and medals rightfully belonged to India.
The post-match presentation was delayed by over an hour due to the standoff. The Indian team had also refrained from handshakes with Pakistani players and skipped the customary pre-toss photoshoot during the tournament, signaling their intent to distance themselves from Naqvi.
Following the incident, videos circulated on social media showing Naqvi leaving the stadium with the trophy. This sparked reactions, with many criticizing Naqvi's actions and calling him a "trophy chor". Suryakumar Yadav and other Indian players, including Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Hardik Pandya, took to social media to mock the situation, posting pictures with a trophy emoticon. Yadav stated that "When the game is done, only the champions will be remembered and not the picture of a trophy".
Despite the controversy, the Indian team celebrated their victory. Yadav said that the real trophies were "sitting in the dressing room, all 14 guys with me, all the support staff". He also clarified that the decision to snub Naqvi was taken by the team on the ground, denying any prior communication from the BCCI. "We took this call on the ground. No one told us to do this," Yadav stated.
The incident has sparked debate and criticism, with many questioning the ethics and sportsmanship displayed. Mohammad Kaif expressed his disappointment, stating that the players were "denied" the chance to celebrate with the trophy. The incident has cast a shadow over India's Asia Cup victory, highlighting the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
