In a dramatic end to the Asia Cup 2025 final, the Indian cricket team defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets to secure their record-extending ninth Asia Cup title. However, the victory was followed by a controversial incident as the Indian team refused to accept the winner's trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Naqvi is also Pakistan's interior minister.
The refusal sparked a delay in the presentation ceremony, with reports indicating that the Indian team had reservations about receiving the trophy from Naqvi. They reportedly informed the organizers that they would not participate in the presentation if the PCB chief was to hand over the trophy. Simon Doull, the presenter for the ceremony, announced that the Indian team would not be collecting their awards. Only individual awards were collected by Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Kuldeep Yadav.
According to reports, the Indian team had already communicated to the ACC that Naqvi was not an acceptable figure to present the trophy. This refusal followed a series of strained interactions throughout the tournament, including the absence of handshakes between players and the traditional pre-toss photoshoot.
Adding to the drama, the Pakistan team reportedly remained in their dressing room for nearly an hour after the match, leaving Naqvi waiting on stage. When they eventually emerged, they were met with loud chants of "India, India" from the crowd. Some reports suggest that the delay was due to the Pakistan team not coming out in time for the presentation ceremony, and they were booed by fans upon their late arrival.
On the field, India's victory was hard-earned. After Pakistan were sent in to bat, Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46) gave their team a strong start, putting on an 84-run opening stand. However, India's spinners, led by Kuldeep Yadav (4/30), triggered a collapse, as Pakistan lost their last nine wickets for just 33 runs and were bowled out for 146.
In response, Faheem Ashraf and Shaheen Afridi struck early blows, reducing India to 20/3. However, Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma steadied the innings before Tilak Varma (69*) and Shivam Dube (33) forged a crucial partnership to guide India to victory with two balls to spare. Tilak Varma was named player of the match for his unbeaten half-century. Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Tournament.
The incident surrounding the trophy presentation has added another layer of tension to the already strained relationship between the two cricketing nations.
