The aftermath of the Asia Cup 2025 final, where India defeated Pakistan, has been mired in controversy, with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi at the center of the storm. Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan's Interior Minister and Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has been criticized for his actions following India's refusal to accept the trophy from him. This refusal stemmed from heightened political tensions and Naqvi's known anti-India stance.

Following the incident, Naqvi reportedly walked away with the Asia Cup trophy and winner's medals, leaving the Indian team without the customary presentation. This action has been widely condemned as unsportsmanlike, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) raising strong objections and even considering pushing for Naqvi's impeachment as ACC President.

Adding fuel to the fire, Naqvi has insisted that the Indian team is welcome to collect the trophy from the ACC office in Dubai. This stance has been perceived as defiant and has further strained relations between the two cricket boards. Naqvi has also denied reports that he apologized to the BCCI for the chaotic post-final scenes. He stated firmly that he had done nothing wrong and would not apologize, accusing the Indian media of spreading lies and propaganda.

Despite the criticism, Naqvi's actions have found support within Pakistan. Former Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Yousuf has publicly backed Naqvi, criticizing the Indian players for focusing on "theatrics" and asserting that Naqvi's stance is about national pride. Yousuf stated that Naqvi has taken the correct stand and that India should have accepted the trophy from him at the presentation ceremony.

Moreover, Naqvi is reportedly set to receive the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Excellence Gold Medal in Pakistan for his "principled and courageous stance" during the trophy handover controversy. This award is seen as a recognition of his efforts to "restore national pride" amid political and sporting tensions with India.

The controversy has also triggered reactions from other former Pakistani cricketers. Shahid Afridi, while not directly supporting Naqvi's actions, has urged him to relinquish one of his two positions as either PCB chairman or Interior Minister, arguing that Pakistan cricket needs undivided attention. Kamran Akmal has gone even further, suggesting that Pakistan should refuse to play against India in the future.

The BCCI has taken a firm stance on the issue, with officials Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar confronting Naqvi during an ACC meeting. They insisted that the trophy rightfully belonged to the Indian team and criticized Naqvi for violating ceremonial protocols. The BCCI also rejected Naqvi's offer for Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav to collect the trophy from him personally.

The Asia Cup trophy controversy has not only created a rift between the cricket boards of India and Pakistan but has also raised questions about sportsmanship, political influence in cricket administration, and the role of the ACC. The matter is expected to be discussed further at the International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting in November. In the meantime, the trophy is reportedly in the custody of the UAE Cricket Board.