Dubai – September 29, 2025 – India’s commanding five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final on Sunday night at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium was overshadowed by a dramatic post-match controversy, as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi allegedly walked off with the winners’ trophy, leaving the Indian team stranded on the podium. The incident, set against the backdrop of India’s clinical chase following Pakistan’s collapse to 146 all out in 19.1 overs, has sparked outrage and intensified the already fraught India-Pakistan cricket rivalry.
On-Field Triumph: India’s Ruthless Performance
Pakistan, batting first, crumbled under pressure, managing only 146 runs in 19.1 overs. India’s bowling attack, led by Kuldeep Yadav’s incisive spin and Arshdeep Singh’s fiery pace, tore through the lineup. Tilak Varma anchored the chase with an unbeaten 69, steering India to victory with two balls to spare. Abhishek Sharma, the tournament’s standout performer, bagged the Player of the Tournament award for his consistent brilliance. The win marked India’s record-extending ninth Asia Cup title, but the post-match ceremony turned victory into a diplomatic flashpoint.
Trophy Drama: Naqvi’s Exit Sparks Chaos
The presentation ceremony descended into chaos when Naqvi, also Pakistan’s Interior Minister, took the stage to hand out awards. Indian players, citing Naqvi’s political role and provocative social media posts amid ongoing border tensions, had informed ACC organizers they would not accept the trophy or medals from him. As boos and chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” echoed from the stands, the Indian team lingered on the outfield, some reportedly passing time with light-hearted distractions like scrolling social media. Naqvi, after presenting runners-up medals to a delayed Pakistan side, exited with the trophy and medals, prompting accusations of “stealing” India’s prize.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, addressing the media, took a subtle jab: “We felt the weight of the win, even if the trophy’s missing.” He dedicated the victory to India’s armed forces, a nod to recent geopolitical frictions. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia slammed Naqvi’s actions, announcing a ₹21 crore reward for the team and staff as a symbolic gesture. “We refused to accept the trophy from someone representing a nation at odds with ours,” Saikia declared, signaling India’s intent to escalate the issue at the ICC’s next meeting.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today extended heartfelt congratulations to the Indian cricket team for their resounding victory in Asia Cup 2025.
In a post on X, Shri Modi wrote:
“#OperationSindoor on the games field.
Outcome is the same – India wins!
Congrats to our cricketers.”
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