The Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai witnessed both thrilling cricket and shocking post-match drama. India secured the title with a dominant 5-wicket win over Pakistan, but the victory was marred by an unprecedented trophy row. Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board, left the stadium carrying the Asia Cup trophy and winners’ medals after India refused to accept them from his hands.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed deep disappointment over Naqvi’s act. Secretary Devajit Saikia said India had clearly communicated that the team would not accept the trophy from Naqvi due to his political associations. “India is fighting a war with a country, and a leader belonging to that country was supposed to hand over the trophy to us. We cannot accept a trophy from such a person. But this does not justify taking the trophy and medals away from the winners. It is totally unexpected, and we hope he sends them back immediately to restore some semblance of morality,” Saikia told ANI.
Throughout the Asia Cup, India maintained a firm stance, avoiding any ceremonial gestures involving Pakistani officials. Even during the toss, the broadcaster arranged two separate presenters: Ravi Shastri for India’s Suryakumar Yadav and Waqar Younis for Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha. The final itself was another showcase of India’s dominance, having already beaten Pakistan in the group stage and Super Four.
BCCI announced that it will lodge a strong protest against Naqvi’s conduct. At the same time, the board celebrated the team’s performance, declaring a cash prize of Rs 21 crores for players and support staff. Saikia praised the squad, comparing their victories to the strength shown by the Indian armed forces. “Our players brought glory to the country by defeating Pakistan in all stages of the tournament. This is a momentous occasion for Indian cricket, and we are proud of our team’s performance on and off the pitch,” he said. The Asia Cup trophy saga has left a bitter aftertaste despite India’s clinical campaign, but BCCI’s firm stand signals that the matter is far from over. Fans now await whether ACC and Mohsin Naqvi will return the trophy and medals to their rightful winners.
