India beat Pakistan by five wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai, but the trophy was not awarded. The Indian team refused to accept it from ACC president Mohsin Naqvi, who is also PCB chief and Pakistan’s interior minister. Individual awards went to Indian players, while Pakistan captain Salman Agha received the runner-up cheque. BCCI has demanded the trophy’s return, citing Naqvi’s controversial social media posts as the reason for the protest. The issue remains unresolved.
India refuses Asia Cup trophy
India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 final at Dubai International Stadium on September 28. The match ended around 10:30 p.m. local time. But the trophy ceremony turned controversial.
Indian players refused to take the winner’s trophy from Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s cricket board chairman and interior minister.
Trophy withheld
The presentation ceremony was delayed for more than an hour. Indian players stayed on the ground but did not approach the stage. The trophy was finally removed without being handed over.
Individual awards were given to Kuldeep Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, and Tilak Varma by other guests. Pakistan captain Salman Agha collected the runner-up cheque from Naqvi. Witnesses said Naqvi did not clap for Indian players.
Indian reaction
Captain Suryakumar Yadav said, “The real trophies are my 14 teammates. They will stay in my memory.” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia also sent a letter to Naqvi demanding the trophy and medals be returned.
Reason for protest
Sources said the team objected to Naqvi’s recent social media posts, where he shared pictures of Pakistani players in military-style attire.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans to raise the issue at the next ACC meeting. The final handover of the trophy is still unresolved.