India Refuse Asia Cup Trophy From Mohsin Naqvi After Beating Pakistan

India Refuse Asia Cup Trophy: In a stunning move after the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai, the Indian cricket team declined to accept the winner’s trophy. India had defeated Pakistan by five wickets in a nail-biting last-over finish, but celebrations were overshadowed by a tense standoff during the presentation ceremony.

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BCCI’s Strong Stand

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the refusal was deliberate. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the team would not accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and PCB chairman. Saikia stressed that the team’s protest was symbolic but firm, and assured that India expected the trophy and medals to be returned soon.

Ceremony Delay Explained

While the final ended around 10:30 pm local time, the presentation stretched past midnight. The delay was due to discussions around whether Indian players would receive the trophy from Naqvi. Eventually, only individual awards were handed over by other dignitaries, while Pakistan captain Salman Agha collected the runners-up cheque from Naqvi.

Suryakumar’s Reaction

Captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed disappointment at the unusual situation, calling it something he had “never seen before” in cricket. He remarked that for him, the real trophies were his teammates and support staff, highlighting unity in the squad. Importantly, he clarified that the decision to reject the trophy was made collectively by the team, without outside influence.

Symbolic Celebration

With no official trophy presented, the Indian players celebrated in their own unique way. On the podium, they lifted an “imaginary trophy” together, a symbolic gesture that resonated with fans. The atmosphere remained charged, with Pakistani players leaving the ground while Indian players stayed back for their celebration.

Growing Rivalry

The trophy controversy wasn’t an isolated incident. Throughout the tournament, India maintained distance from Pakistan, avoiding handshakes at tosses and after matches. Heated exchanges, fines for verbal spats, and visible tension marked the rivalry, culminating in the refusal to accept the trophy from Naqvi. The BCCI has already announced plans to raise the issue at the upcoming ICC conference in Dubai this November.

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