India refuses Asia Cup trophy 2025 in a historic and unprecedented move after defeating Pakistan in the thrilling final in Dubai. The celebrations, however, took an unexpected turn when the Indian cricket team refused to accept the trophy from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi, sparking the Asia Cup 2025 trophy presentation controversy. For the first time in the tournament’s history, the champions walked away without lifting the trophy, leaving fans, officials, and cricket enthusiasts worldwide stunned while raising questions about sportsmanship, diplomacy, and cricket governance.
India Refuses Asia Cup Trophy 2025
Thrilling India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Final
The clash between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup final on September 28, 2025, at the Dubai International Stadium was a tense, edge-of-the-seat encounter. Pakistan, batting first, struggled to set a competitive total and were bowled out for 147 runs, with Kuldeep Yadav starring with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 30 runs. In reply, India’s chase was anchored by Tilak Varma, who scored an unbeaten 69 off 53 balls, guiding the team home. India won by 5 wickets with 2 balls remaining, claiming their ninth Asia Cup title. The full scorecard is available on Cricbuzz.
The Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Presentation Controversy
Traditionally, the winning captain receives the trophy from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president, but this year, Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s Interior Minister and PCB chairman, was in charge of the ceremony. However, the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, citing his dual political and administrative roles. The decision was firm and planned in advance, reflecting the team’s stance on maintaining neutrality and avoiding political entanglements during international cricket events.
The sequence of events was dramatic. Indian players remained stationary, refusing to approach the dais. The presentation ceremony was delayed for nearly one hour, causing confusion among fans and officials. Spectators in the stadium expressed their disapproval with loud boos, chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”. Eventually, organizers quietly removed the trophy from the stage, leaving the champions to celebrate with an imaginary trophy. This standoff created headlines worldwide, marking a first in Asia Cup 2025 history.
Why India Refused the Trophy
The BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia later clarified, “We have decided not to take the Asia Cup trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the main leaders of Pakistan. That does not mean the trophy stays with him—it must be returned to India. We will raise a formal protest at the ICC conference in November.” The Indian team’s decision was not about disrespecting the ACC or the tournament but about avoiding a politically sensitive situation during an international cricket event.
Throughout the Asia Cup 2025, tensions between India and Pakistan were evident. Players avoided handshakes during tosses and post-match rituals. Captains skipped the pre-toss photo sessions, and on-field verbal spats, including remarks involving Suryakumar Yadav and Haris Rauf, further heightened tensions. By the time the final arrived, it was almost inevitable that India would refuse the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi.
Fans’ Reaction: Cheers, Boos, and Emotional Highs
The Asia Cup 2025 final controversy was not limited to players and officials. Fans became an active part of the drama. Thousands of Indian supporters stayed back despite the delayed ceremony, showing solidarity with their team. As Mohsin Naqvi took the stage, boos erupted across the stadium, while chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” echoed loudly. Social media erupted with hashtags like #AsiaCup2025Final, #IndiaRefusesTrophy, and #MohsinNaqviControversy, trending globally within minutes. The refusal became a symbolic moment representing national pride and sportsmanship intertwined with political considerations.
Historic First: A Trophy Not Awarded
Never before in international cricket had a champion team been denied its trophy on the field. From World Cups to the Champions Trophy, the act of lifting the silverware is an iconic image of sporting achievement. Suryakumar Yadav summed it up after the match: “I think this is one thing I’ve never seen since I started following cricket—that a champion team is denied a trophy, a hard-earned one. My real trophies are sitting in the dressing room: my teammates and support staff.” The Asia Cup 2025 trophy presentation controversy will go down as a historic anomaly in cricket history.
BCCI to Lodge Protest at ICC
The BCCI has confirmed it will lodge a formal protest at the ICC conference in Dubai, November 2025, regarding the trophy incident. The protest is expected to focus on whether ACC presidents should simultaneously hold political offices, implementing neutral officials for trophy presentations in future tournaments, and preventing politically charged incidents from overshadowing cricketing events. This may have long-term implications on India vs Pakistan cricket politics and the way international tournaments are organized.
Asia Cup 2025 Final Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Match Date & Venue | September 28, 2025 – Dubai International Stadium |
| Result | India beat Pakistan by 5 wickets |
| Top Scorer | Tilak Varma – 69* (53) |
| Best Bowler | Kuldeep Yadav – 4/30 |
| Presentation Drama | India refused trophy from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi |
| Fans’ Reaction | Loud boos, chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” |
| Historic Note | First time champions didn’t lift trophy |
| Next Step | BCCI to protest at ICC conference in November |
The trophy presentation overshadowed the match itself, but fans and analysts will remember the night for both the cricketing excellence and the historic standoff. For full details, check the complete scorecard on Cricbuzz, ICC official statements, BCCI official updates, and detailed match reports on ESPNcricinfo. For live updates and news, visit Google News Cricket Section.
What This Means for Cricket
The India vs Pakistan Asia Cup final 2025 demonstrated how politics can influence international sports. The trophy presentation controversy may lead to ACC and ICC redefining handover protocols, increased player involvement in governance decisions, and heightened tension in India-Pakistan cricketing relations. For India, refusing the trophy was a principled stand. For Pakistan, it was an embarrassing moment for their board chairman. For fans, it was a historic night that went beyond cricket.
The Asia Cup 2025 final is now remembered not just for the thrilling India vs Pakistan cricket rivalry but also as a landmark event in cricket history, where India refused the Asia Cup trophy 2025 in protest of political involvement by an ACC official.
