India clinched the Asia Cup 2025 title with a thrilling five-wicket win over Pakistan, yet the on-field triumph was quickly eclipsed by a political standoff over the presentation of the winner’s trophy.
Suryakumar Yadav and his team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, claiming their ninth Asia Cup title and securing a Rs. 21 crore prize from the BCCI.
However, the celebratory moment took a tense turn when the Indian players refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan Cricket Board chairman.
The refusal stemmed from Naqvi’s past anti-India remarks and the heightened political tensions between the two nations following the Pahalgam attack in May, in which 26 Indian citizens were killed.
During the tournament, India had maintained a strict ‘No Handshake Policy’ toward Pakistani officials, and Naqvi had posted videos mocking India’s military response, Operation Sindoor.
“I’ve never seen a team denied its trophy despite winning fairly,” said Suryakumar, reflecting on the unusual and uncomfortable situation at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
While family members and team staff waited to celebrate, the Indian players remained about 25 yards away from Naqvi, who stood ready to present the award.
According to BCCI sources, the decision to boycott the presentation was made on the ground without prior instruction.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia termed India’s refusal a matter of national principle.
“India cannot take the trophy from the person who is waging a war against our country,” he said, adding that a formal protest would be lodged with the ICC during the upcoming November meeting.
In a dramatic turn, Naqvi left the dais and exited with the trophy, which ACC staff reportedly followed to secure, leaving the Indian team and officials frustrated.
The trophy is now reportedly at ACC headquarters.
The controversy drew sharp reactions from both sides. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha criticized India for showing disrespect on the field, though he defended Naqvi’s position during the presentation ceremony.
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“The ACC president will give the trophy to the winners. If you won’t take it from him, how will you get it?” he said.
Amid the political fallout, Suryakumar sought to honour the Indian armed forces and the Pahalgam victims.
He announced that his Rs. 28 lakh match fee from the tournament would be donated to the families of those affected and to the armed forces, underscoring the human side of a highly charged tournament.
The Asia Cup 2025 finale will likely be remembered less for cricketing brilliance and more for the unprecedented political tensions that unfolded off the field, leaving a lasting mark on the sport’s spirit in the region.
