Dubai, Sept 28: In a dramatic and unprecedented scene, the Asia Cup 2025 trophy presentation was aborted after the Indian cricket team refused to accept the silverware from Pakistan’s Interior Minister and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, citing his anti-India stance.
India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in a thrilling final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, but post-match celebrations were overshadowed by controversy. For over an hour, Indian players stayed off the podium as Naqvi, flanked by his coterie, insisted on handing over the trophy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had already conveyed its refusal to receive the award from him.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed India’s stand, declaring, “We have decided not to take the Asia Cup 2025 trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the main leaders of Pakistan.” He demanded the immediate return of the trophy and individual medals, which were carried away by ACC staff after Naqvi exited the stage.
The standoff forced presenter Simon Doull to conclude the ceremony after distributing individual awards. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul handed out prizes to Pakistan’s squad, but India’s title celebration was limited to photos without the trophy.
Naqvi, who has repeatedly courted controversy with anti-India posts and backed Pakistan’s calls to penalize Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav, found support from Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who said, “He is the ACC chairman. He is well within his rights to give away the trophy.”
The BCCI, furious at the turn of events, is preparing to escalate the matter. Saikia said the board would lodge a “serious and strong protest” at the upcoming ICC conference in Dubai in November, even seeking Naqvi’s removal from the ACC.
The incident has cast a shadow on India-Pakistan cricket ties, raising questions about the future of high-voltage bilateral clashes and their place in multilateral tournaments. While the match provided fans with a thrilling contest, the trophy fiasco ensured the night ended in controversy rather than celebration. (Agencies)
