The conclusion of the Asia Cup 2025 has ignited a diplomatic and sporting standoff, as India’s victorious cricket team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, continues to withhold acceptance of the tournament trophy, following their win over Pakistan in the final.
Despite securing a five-wicket victory at the Dubai International Stadium, the Indian squad refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board and serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister.
Naqvi, known for making provocative anti-India remarks during the tournament, became the centre of a post-match controversy when he insisted on personally handing over the trophy. The Indian camp, which had avoided any interaction with Pakistan’s representatives throughout the tournament, stood firm on its decision causing a 45-minute delay to the presentation ceremony.
While Indian players Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Kuldeep Yadav collected their individual awards, the team trophy remained unpresented. In a dramatic move, Naqvi reportedly walked off the venue with the trophy, refusing to delegate the presentation to another official. Pakistan players, meanwhile, accepted their runners-up medals and cheques.
Sources told Cricbuzz that Naqvi has offered to hand over medals and the trophy only if a formal event is organised where he can do the honours a demand unlikely to be accepted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
As per ACC protocol, the trophy should be sent to BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, but there is no clarity on when or how that will occur.
The standoff underscores growing tensions between the Indian and Pakistani cricket boards. The BCCI, after consultations with players and officials, reportedly took a collective stand to boycott Naqvi, citing his public conduct and political position.
With no resolution in sight, the trophy saga has become a diplomatic flashpoint, casting a shadow over what should have been a celebratory moment for Indian cricket. The ACC is yet to issue an official statement addressing the incident or outlining a path forward.
