The aftermath of the Asia Cup 2025 final, where India defeated Pakistan, has been marred by a controversy surrounding the trophy presentation, with Mohsin Naqvi, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief and Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), at the center of the storm.
Following India's victory, the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who also holds the position of Interior Minister of Pakistan, due to the ongoing tensions between the two nations. This decision stemmed from strained relations and a recent escalation of political crisis and military conflict between India and Pakistan. According to Devajit Saikia, the chairman of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the decision was made because Naqvi is also a main political leader in Pakistan. Suryakumar Yadav, India's T20 captain, addressed the situation, stating that the team collectively decided against receiving the trophy from Naqvi.
In response, Naqvi reportedly took the trophy and winners' medals to his hotel room, leading to a bizarre situation where the Indian team celebrated their victory without the trophy. Suryakumar Yadav said that he saw the ACC officials 'run away' with the Asia Cup trophy after the final. He also stated, "Trophy leke bhaag gaye woh (They ran away with the trophy). That's what I saw". The BCCI has labeled Naqvi's actions as "childish and unacceptable".
The BCCI is now working to retrieve the Asia Cup trophy from Naqvi and has sought assistance from other ACC associate countries. Reports indicate that the BCCI has asked Naqvi to deliver the trophy to the ACC office in Dubai Sports City, from where it can be sent to India. However, Naqvi has reportedly set a condition for handing over the trophy: he wants a ceremony to be organized where he can personally present it to the Indian team. Considering the current state of relations between the two countries, this condition is unlikely to be met by the BCCI.
The controversy has led to heated discussions and a walkout by BCCI representatives during an ACC meeting in Dubai. According to sources, Naqvi did not acknowledge India's win in his opening remarks at the meeting, and it was only after intervention from a BCCI representative that he congratulated India. The BCCI is also planning to raise the issue at the International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting in November and is reportedly considering campaigning for Naqvi's removal from the position of ACC chair.
The incident has drawn strong reactions from former cricketers and officials. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has called on the PCB to boycott matches against India in future events, accusing the Indian team of "cheap behavior". He also criticized India's refusal to shake hands with Pakistani players during the tournament.
The Asia Cup 2025 was held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28, 2025. In the final, India defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets to win their ninth title. However, the victory has been overshadowed by the ongoing controversy surrounding the trophy presentation.
