Trophy Drama After India’s Asia Cup Triumph
The conclusion of the Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium was anything but ordinary. While India registered a commanding five-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan, the post-match presentation turned into an unexpected controversy. Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi stunned spectators and officials alike when he decided to take the winners’ trophy and medals back to his hotel room after Team India refused to accept them from his hands.
The tense moment occurred when Naqvi stepped onto the presentation stage, but Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team made it clear that they would not collect the trophy directly from him. The refusal left the ceremony incomplete, with Naqvi walking out of the stadium carrying the trophy himself.
India’s Stance on Neutral Official
According to BCCI officials, the team had already communicated that they would only receive the trophy and medals from a neutral ACC official, citing political sensitivities. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia later reiterated that decision, highlighting the discomfort in allowing a Pakistani political figure to present the cup.
“We have decided not to take the trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the main leaders of Pakistan. So we will not accept it from him,” Saikia told ANI.
The stance triggered an unprecedented scenario in modern cricket, where the winning side returned home without officially receiving the trophy.
Naqvi’s ‘Condition’ for Handing Over the Trophy
A report by Cricbuzz claimed that Naqvi has now placed a condition before returning the trophy and medals to Team India. As per the report, he has insisted that a formal event must be organised where he personally gets the opportunity to hand over the prize.
The demand has sparked criticism, with many terming it an unnecessary politicisation of sport. Analysts argue that arranging such a function is practically impossible given the diplomatic freeze between India and Pakistan. Moreover, the Indian team has already dispersed following the final, making a fresh ceremony highly unlikely.
BCCI’s Strong Protest Against Naqvi
The BCCI leadership has expressed sharp disapproval of Naqvi’s actions, calling them “unsporting and unfortunate.” Saikia confirmed that India will escalate the matter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) during its upcoming conference in Dubai scheduled for early November.
“That does not mean that the gentleman will take away the trophy with him, along with the medals. It is very unfortunate, very unsporting. We hope that the trophy and the medals will be returned to India as soon as possible. This is definitely what we are going to do (protest),” Saikia said firmly.
The BCCI believes that withholding the trophy not only disrespects the players’ achievement but also damages the credibility of the ACC as a governing body.
A Rare Crisis in Asian Cricket
This controversy has drawn sharp attention from the global cricket community, with fans and former cricketers questioning the role of administrators in overshadowing the sport. Experts say that trophies and medals represent the players’ hard work and should remain above political or personal disputes.
The episode has also triggered a debate on whether the ACC should reform its protocols to avoid such embarrassments in the future. Some suggest that only neutral officials, free from political affiliations, should be allowed to present awards in major tournaments involving India and Pakistan.
Big Breaking 🚨🚨
Team India refuses to accept the Asia Cup 2025 Trophy 🏆 from Pakistan interior minister and ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Someone just picked up the trophy and walked off the ground.
Another Embarrassing Moment for 🇵🇰
Video 📷#INDvsPAK #AsiaCupFinal #Tilak pic.twitter.com/h4CrRZgcUF
— Globally Pop (@GloballyPop) September 28, 2025
What Lies Ahead
As of now, the Asia Cup 2025 trophy remains with Naqvi. The Indian cricket team, already back home, continues to wait for clarity on how and when they will officially receive their prize. With the BCCI pushing for a strong intervention at the ICC level, the issue is unlikely to fade quietly.
Whether Naqvi softens his stance or the ICC steps in to resolve the impasse, the Asia Cup 2025 final will be remembered as much for its off-field drama as for India’s memorable win.
