India Beats Pakistan But Rejects Trophy at Ceremony
India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the Asia Cup final on Sunday in Dubai. But in a dramatic twist, the team refused to accept the trophy. The presentation ceremony started more than an hour late, creating confusion among fans and officials.
India Refuses Trophy Over Political Reasons
The delay happened because the Asia Cup trophy was to be presented by Mohsin Naqvi. He is the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and also a Pakistani government minister,
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the team refused the trophy for this reason. He said, “We have decided not to take the Asia Cup trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the main political leaders of Pakistan.”
In 2024, India had secured the 2024 Asian Hockey Champions Trophy title with a thrilling 1-0 victory over China in a tightly contested final.
India Demands Trophy & Medals Be Returned
Saikia added that this does not mean Naqvi can keep the trophy or medals. He said the situation was unfortunate and hoped the items would be returned to India soon.
He also stated that India would file a strong protest at the ICC conference in November, which will also take place in Dubai.
Stage Delay Adds to Confusion
The match ended at around 10:30 PM (Dubai time), but the presentation ceremony did not start until almost midnight. Fans speculated that the delay was due to India’s refusal to accept the trophy from Naqvi.
During this time, Naqvi was seen in long discussions with officials. Indian players waited on the field. Pakistan players had already returned to their dressing room. Eventually, a staff member removed the trophy from the stage without any explanation.
Suryakumar: “We Deserved the Trophy”
India captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed his disappointment during the press conference. He said, “This is something I have never seen since I started following or playing cricket — that a champion team is denied a trophy, especially after earning it.”
He made it clear that the team made this decision themselves. Later, Indian players went on the podium and celebrated with an imaginary trophy, since the actual one was not there.
No Acknowledgment for Naqvi on Stage
Indian players Kuldeep Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, and Tilak Varma collected their individual awards. However, they did not acknowledge Mohsin Naqvi, who stood silently on stage. Naqvi did not applaud them either.
On the other side, Pakistan captain Salman Agha accepted the runners-up cheque and posed for photographs. The ceremony ended shortly after that, leaving many spectators — especially Indian fans — shocked and disappointed.
Tensions Ran High Throughout the Tournament
India’s refusal to accept the trophy was not the only sign of tension. Throughout the Asia Cup, Indian players avoided handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts. This behavior continued in all three matches between the two teams.
Verbal exchanges also occurred, especially during the Super Fours stage. Suryakumar Yadav was fined for comments after the first match. Pakistan’s Haris Rauf was penalized for his conduct in the second game.
Cricket Lost in Politics
The Asia Cup 2025 final was thrilling on the field, but politics overshadowed the victory. The Indian team’s refusal to accept the trophy has sparked a major debate in the cricketing world.
As both teams prepare for the ICC meeting in November, fans hope future tournaments will focus more on cricket and less on political disputes.
