India Not Awarded Asia Cup Trophy After Refusing to Receive It From ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi: A Detailed Account

In an unprecedented and controversial turn of events at the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai, the Indian cricket team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan's Minister of Interior, Mohsin Naqvi. This action led to a delay and ultimately, the Indian team celebrated their historic victory without lifting the trophy, marking a rare moment of chaos in international cricket.

The Incident: Refusal to Receive the Trophy

Following India's thrilling win over Pakistan by five wickets in a nail-biting finish, it was expected that the victorious Indian side would receive their trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who holds dual roles as ACC chairman and Pakistan's interior minister. However, the Indian team declined to accept the trophy from him, citing his prominent political position in Pakistan.

• Mohsin Naqvi stood firm on conducting the presentation, despite the Indian team’s refusal to come forward.

• As a result, the trophy was not handed over to India on the field; rather, it was quietly taken away behind the scenes.

• The award ceremony was delayed by nearly an hour, with the Indian players refusing to move from their positions near the dressing rooms.

• The Indian cricket players opted to celebrate on the field without the trophy.

• Pakistan’s team, meanwhile, remained in their dressing room for over an hour after the match, leaving Naqvi isolated on stage.

Background: Rising Tensions Throughout the Tournament

• Throughout the Asia Cup 2025, matches involving India and Pakistan were fraught with tension.

• This included incidents such as refusal to shake hands, avoiding mutual photo sessions, and off-field social media controversies.

• Mohsin Naqvi himself had posted symbolic imagery online, which was perceived as provocative by the Indian camp.

• The Indian team’s stance was a clear message of protest, reflecting the larger geopolitical tensions between the two nations.

Official Statements and Reactions

• BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia expressed disappointment over the incident, emphasizing that the refusal to receive the trophy was conscious due to Naqvi’s political affiliation.

• “We hope that the trophy and medals will be returned to India promptly,” Saikia stated.

• The BCCI announced that it would raise a formal complaint against the incident at the upcoming ICC conference in November.

• Fans at the stadium loudly chanted patriotic slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and jeered the PCB chairman.

• The Pakistani team and supporters also faced similar jeers during the ceremony.

Impact and Significance

• This episode marked possibly the first instance in cricket history where the winning team did not receive their trophy on the field during the official presentation.

• The absence of the trophy cast a shadow over the jubilations and highlighted deep-seated off-field discord impacting on-field customs.

• Cricket pundits and fans worldwide expressed concern over the politicization of the sport, fearing such incidents might mar cricket’s spirit and international camaraderie.

• The ACC and ICC face intensifying pressure to address governance and ensure the sport remains insulated from wider political disputes.

What Next for the Trophy?

• The trophy's whereabouts became a focal point post-ceremony, with reports confirming that Naqvi exited the stadium with the trophy and medals.

• The BCCI has demanded the immediate return of the trophy and medals to maintain the game's integrity.

• Discussions around sanctions and governance reforms within ACC are anticipated at the ICC’s forthcoming meetings.

Summary and Looking Ahead

The 2025 Asia Cup final will be remembered not only for the thrilling cricket but for the off-field saga involving the trophy presentation. While the spirit of competition prevailed on the field, the aftermath revealed fragilities in the sport’s ability to remain apolitical amid deep geopolitical divides.