Stolen Asia Cup Trophy drama saw PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi leave with the trophy after India refused to accept it post their historic win over Pakistan. Denied medals, the Indian team celebrated their victory with humour and pride, proving true champions shine even without the trophy in hand
Indian team celebrates without trophy
The champions’ placard was brought onto the stage twice and then removed. Hardik Pandya was the first to step forward and take a selfie. After India secured their victory over Pakistan, the rest of the team joined him on stage.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav mimicked Rohit Sharma’s walk from the 2024 T20 World Cup celebration, enjoying the moment with an imaginary trophy. This meant that the team did not take the actual trophy but celebrated in their minds, imagining the victory and enjoying it just like the 2024 T20 World Cup celebrations.
During the press conference, Suryakumar Yadav criticised the organisers, saying, “I have never seen a champion team being denied a trophy, especially one that was so hard-earned.” Abhishek Sharma added, “We actually got a trophy — Surya bhai brought it! We felt it, we knew its weight, and we enjoyed it on the field to the fullest.”
Stolen Asia Cup Trophy: PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi Comments on Controversial 2025 Final”
The Asia Cup trophy controversy arose during the 2025 final between India and Pakistan when it was time for the presentation. India secured a thrilling victory in Dubai on Sunday, celebrating their win on the field. However, the post-match trophy ceremony turned controversial, and the champion team India left the stage without receiving their trophy. India clinched the title with key performances, including Rinku Singh hitting the winning runs and Tilak Verma remaining unbeaten on 69, playing a crucial role in the chase.
While the Indian players celebrated on the ground, Pakistan’s team, led by Salman Ali Agha, stayed in the dressing room for nearly an hour. The delay and absence of the formal presentation caused a stir, highlighting tensions during the ceremony. Despite the controversy, the Indian team’s joy and performance remained undimmed, proving that true champions celebrate their victory regardless of the formalities.
Why was the Asia Cup trophy not accepted by India?
It was clear from India’s side that they did not want to receive the trophy from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister. The team had requested Emirates Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni to hand over the trophy, but this was denied. Naqvi insisted on conducting the presentation himself and later ordered the trophy to be withdrawn.
This incident occurred after India avoided handshakes with Pakistan players throughout the Asia Cup tournament and did not participate in the pre-match photoshoot.
What took place once the India-Pakistan Asia Cup Final wrapped up?
The India vs Pakistan final match took place on Sunday, 8th September 2025, in which India secured a victory. Rinku Singh hit the winning runs, and Tilak Verma scored 69 runs. While India celebrated their win with all their players, the post-match presentation was delayed due to Pakistan’s team.
Bharat Mata Ki Jai” chants greeted PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
In the India vs Pakistan match, India secured a victory on Sunday. When Naqvi appeared on the stage, Indian fans in the stadium booed and chanted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” in protest. Pakistani players, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, also faced jeers.
The India vs Pakistan match took place on Sunday, 8th September 2025. Simon Doull, who was anchoring the entire ceremony, announced, “I have been informed by the ACC that the Indian cricket team will not be accepting their awards tonight. Therefore, this concludes the presentation.” Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam handed the runners-up medals to Pakistan, while Naqvi gave the runners-up cheque, which was thrown aside.
BCCI to launch a serious protest at ICC
The Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Devajit Saikia, along with several others, criticized the decision regarding the Asia Cup 2025 trophy. They stated that India had decided not to accept the trophy from the ACC chairman, who represents a country currently at odds with India. This was India’s official stance.
However, they emphasized that this did not give anyone the right to take the trophy and medals away. Such an act is considered extremely unfortunate, unsportsmanlike, and against the spirit of the game. The BCCI expressed hope that the trophy and medals would be returned to India as soon as possible.
This controversy has made the Asia Cup final memorable not only for the cricket played on the field but also for the post-match drama. The incident has added a layer of tension and discussion around the tournament, highlighting the challenges that can occur even in international sporting events.