India’s record ninth Asia Cup title victory against Pakistan in Dubai was darken by an unprecedented trophy fiasco. The Indian team rejected to accept the Asia Cup 2025 trophy from PCB chairman and ACC president Mohsin Naqvi, who was leading to presentation function and public deadlock, with Naqvi allegedly walking away with the winner’s trophy.
India, who beaten Pakistan by five wickets to clinch a record-extending ninth Asia Cup title, flatly refused to accept the winner’s trophy from Naqvi. The Indian players stood firm at a distance from the stage, reportedly informing the organisers that Indian team would not participate in the presentation if the PCB chief attempted to hand to hand over the trophy.
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As Naqvi waited awkwardly on the dais, Indian fans inside the stadium booed loudly, chanting “Bharat Mata ki Jai”, making the atmosphere even more aggressive. It was quite evident that Naqvi didn’t want to see India getting photographed with the trophy, with organisers eventually whisking it away into the dressing room after extended holdup.
According to sources the Indian team had already informed the Asian cricket Council (ACC) that Mohsin Naqvi, also Interior minister of Pakistan, was an unacceptable figure to present the cup. The refusal followed a series of chilly interactions during the Asia Cup 2025 – from no handshakes between players, to the traditional pre-toss photoshoot.
A source from ACC again revealed that the Indian team made it clear they didn’t want Naqvi on the Podium.
In one more twist, the Pakistan players after the match nearly an hour remained inside their dressing room, leaving Naqvi helpless on stage. When captain Salman Agha and his team eventually came out, they were greeted by deafening chants of “Indiaaa, Indiaaa, Indiaaa from the crowd of stadium.
While India honoured yet another continental crown, the night will be recalled as much for the cricket as for the disordered and unprecedented trophy fiasco that followed.
