India’s thrilling five-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai was overshadowed by a major controversy. The Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The night ended with Naqvi leaving the stadium with the silverware, leaving the champions empty-handed.
India Stands Firm on Its Demand
India had informed organisers that they would not collect the trophy from Naqvi. Instead, they wanted Khalid Al Zarooni, vice-chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, to hand it over. The ACC did not agree, and the stand-off continued for over an hour. The Indian players waited on one side of the stage, refusing to move until their demand was met.
Fresh Video Shows Trophy Exit
At first, reports only suggested that Naqvi stormed off when India stuck to its stance, but a new video now shows Naqvi leaving the field while one of his aides carried the trophy with him. The Indian team, still waiting, never received the award.
Mohsin Naqvi to Failed Marshal Asim Munir be like: Huzoor we lost the match but stole the trophy, you can now claim winning the Asia Cup exactly like Operation sindoor where we lost the war and but claimed victory. Typical Pakistanis. Chor!!! pic.twitter.com/LYuDI2Lk2N
— Raja Muneeb (@RajaMuneeb) September 28, 2025
Naqvi’s Growing Frustration
Naqvi had flown in from the USA to attend the final. He reportedly hoped to present the trophy to Pakistan, but India’s last-over win spoiled those plans. He waited on stage alone as India stood aside. The Pakistan team also stayed locked in their dressing room after the loss, adding to the tense atmosphere.
When the medal ceremony finally began, the players avoided interacting with Naqvi. Even the medals were given by Bangladesh Cricket Board chairman Animul Islam, not Naqvi. As Indian players Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube came up to receive their individual awards, Naqvi looked away. Moments later, he lost his patience and left.
Trophy Fiasco Goes Viral
The controversy deepened when the video of Naqvi leaving with the trophy surfaced online. Many Indian fans criticised the act, calling it an insult to the champions. Meanwhile, Indian players, unfazed, later mocked the incident by posting edited pictures with trophy emojis on social media.
Relations Hit a New Low
The drama came against the backdrop of tense India-Pakistan ties. Earlier in the tournament, India had avoided handshakes with Pakistani players. The latest incident has further damaged relations between the two cricket boards. The BCCI is now expected to raise the matter at the ICC’s next meeting.
Despite the chaos, India ended the tournament with pride. They celebrated on stage without the trophy, proving that their hard-fought win mattered more than the missing silverware.
