India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 final to clinch their record ninth title, but the victory celebrations turned sour as the team was forced to leave without the trophy.
After Rinku Singh’s match-winning shot sealed India’s win, fans anticipated the usual post-match presentation ceremony. But chaos unfolded at the Dubai International Stadium. Reports suggest a standoff between the Indian team and ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi, who was expected to present the trophy.
According to eyewitness accounts, Pakistan’s players initially stayed inside their dressing room, delaying the ceremony. Naqvi, seen on his phone, was reportedly engaged in tense discussions while the crowd booed and chanted “Bharat Mata ki Jai.” When Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha finally came out, the audience jeered loudly as more Pakistan players appeared casually in flip-flops.
Speculation grew that India had refused to receive the trophy from Naqvi. After nearly an hour, the ACC announced that India would not collect the trophy that night. Khalid Al Zarooni, vice-chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, was set to present it instead, but plans were mysteriously changed.
In a shocking twist, Naqvi reportedly left the stadium with the trophy in hand, leaving the Indian players sitting on the podium without the silverware. Pakistan collected their runners-up medals first, with Salman Agha even throwing the runner-up cheque near Naqvi. The decision not to award the trophy on stage has been widely condemned as disrespectful and unsportsmanlike.
This incident capped a controversy-filled tournament, marked by the no-handshake episode, mocking gestures from Pakistan players, and heated exchanges on and off the field. The Asia Cup 2025 will likely be remembered as one of the most politically charged editions in the history of India-Pakistan cricket
