The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan concluded in dramatic fashion, with India securing a 5-wicket victory to claim their ninth Asia Cup title. However, the celebrations were marred by a controversial delay in the trophy presentation, drawing sharp criticism from former India coach Ravi Shastri.
India's victory, highlighted by Tilak Varma's unbeaten 69 and Shivam Dube's crucial 33, was hard-fought. Pakistan were bowled out for 146, and India chased the target with just two balls to spare. The tense match, played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, saw India recover from an early slump to secure the win.
Following the match, a significant delay occurred before the presentation ceremony. Reports indicate that the Indian team was kept waiting for approximately 45 minutes, a situation that visibly angered Ravi Shastri, who was on commentary. Shastri described the situation as "ridiculous," emphasizing the importance of the trophy presentation for both the players and the fans. He highlighted that the crowd was present and eager to celebrate, making the delay all the more unacceptable.
The reason for the delay appears to stem from a disagreement over who would present the trophy. Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), was expected to hand over the trophy. However, reports suggest that the Indian team was unwilling to receive the trophy from Naqvi, possibly due to political tensions and Naqvi's anti-India stance. Some reports suggest that the Indian players were willing to receive the trophy from the Vice Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, Khalid Al Zarooni, but Naqvi refused to concede.
Ultimately, the trophy presentation was not conducted in the traditional manner. While individual awards were handed out, the Indian team did not receive the Asia Cup trophy on the podium. Reports indicate that Naqvi eventually walked away with the trophy, and the ceremony concluded without the usual presentation. The Indian team did celebrate with a mock trophy in the dressing room.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may lodge a complaint regarding the events that transpired. The incident has sparked debate and criticism, with many questioning the handling of the presentation ceremony.
Adding to the tension, the toss also saw a break from tradition. Instead of a single presenter, Ravi Shastri interacted with the Indian captain, Suryakumar Yadav, while former Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis spoke with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha. This unusual arrangement was reportedly due to a request from the PCB for a neutral presenter, which was denied by the BCCI, leading to the dual presentation as a compromise. Furthermore, the handshake snub between the Indian and Pakistani players continued for the third consecutive match.
