India defeated Pakistan convincingly in the Asia Cup final but returned to their hotel without the trophy, as Mohsin Naqvi took the silverware.
India Clinches Asia Cup 2025 Amid Post-Match Trophy Controversy
Rinku Singh struck the winning runs as India defeated Pakistan to claim the Asia Cup 2025 for a record-extending ninth time. Yet the drama was far from over. A tournament already marred by controversy between the two archrivals ended with one final act of chaos: the victorious Indian team was unable to celebrate with the trophy, despite being the standout unit throughout the competition.
As the clock struck midnight IST on September 29, there were no signs of the post-match presentation ceremony. Conflicting reports emerged—some suggesting India refused to accept the trophy from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi, while others blamed the Pakistan team for the delay. Indian players, including Rinku Singh, Shubman Gill, Kuldeep Yadav, and bowling coach Morne Morkel, shared their emotions with broadcasters, giving the impression that the ceremony would soon proceed.
However, the Indian team ended the night and returned to their hotel empty-handed. When the presentation finally began after a one-hour delay, presenter Simon Doull announced, “The ACC has informed us that India will not be collecting their trophy tonight.” Behind the scenes, reports revealed a deeper controversy, as ACC and Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi left the stadium with the trophy while the Indian team sat on the podium without their hard-earned silverware.
How everything spiralled down
All the chaos began immediately after the match ended. Mohsin Naqvi and the Indian team were already on stage, but the Pakistan side remained inside their dressing room. Mohsin Naqvi, phone in hand, appeared to be engaged in an animated conversation as the delay stretched on.
When Salman Ali Agha finally emerged with coach Mike Hesson and the team manager, the crowd erupted in loud boos. More Pakistan players followed moments later, some casually walking out in flip-flops, drawing further jeers. Mohsin Naqvi himself faced boos and chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai.”
News soon broke that the Indian team refused to collect the trophy from Naqvi. Initially, it was decided that Khalid Al Zarooni, vice-chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, would present the trophy. However, plans changed at the last moment: the Pakistan team collected their medals first, with Naqvi sidelined on stage. Captain Salman Agha even threw the runner-up cheque while Naqvi stood nearby.
When it was India’s turn, presenter Simon Doull announced that the team would not be collecting the trophy. Naqvi’s exit from the stadium—arguably to avoid seeing India photographed with the trophy—added the final controversial note to an already chaotic ceremony.
An Asia Cup filled with turmoil
The Asia Cup 2025 now joins a notorious list of tournaments marked by tensions between India and Pakistan. Historical clashes, such as the 1999 World Cup during the Kargil War or the heated encounters in 2003, already set a high bar for rivalry. Yet, the hostility witnessed over the last three weeks surpasses them all. From the no-handshake saga to Pakistan players mocking India with unexplained gestures, the Asia Cup 2025 has had controversy at every turn.
