Team India Celebrates Asia Cup 2025 Victory Empty-Handed as ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi Takes Trophy and Leaves Stadium

In an extraordinary and controversial climax to the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai, Team India celebrated their thrilling five-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan—but without the winners' trophy in hand. The Indian players refused to accept the trophy from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman and Pakistan's Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, leading to a dramatic delay and an unprecedented presentation ceremony.

The Unfolding of the Trophy Controversy

Following India’s nail-biting chase of 147 runs, secured with just two balls to spare, the customary trophy presentation was set to begin. Mohsin Naqvi, in his dual capacity as ACC chairman and PCB chief, was slated to present the awards. However, the Indian team had already made clear their stance: they would not accept the trophy from Naqvi due to his political position and recent provocative social media posts.

• Naqvi waited on stage, but the Indian players stood firm, refusing to approach him.

• The presence of Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni, who India found acceptable, was overshadowed by Naqvi’s refusal to step aside.

• After nearly an hour of tense standoff, the trophy and medals were quietly taken backstage.

• Naqvi then exited the stadium with the trophy and medals in his possession.

• The Indian players eventually returned to the podium to celebrate without the trophy.

Background and Broader Context

• The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry has been intensifying against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions.

• Throughout the tournament, India maintained a distance from Pakistan players, including refusing customary handshakes and photo ops.

• The Pahalgam terror attack earlier in the year and subsequent claims of military skirmishes (Operation Sindoor) heightened sensitivities.

• Naqvi posted videos mocking India’s military, which the Indian team viewed as provocative and unacceptable.

Voices from the Indian Camp

India captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed his shock and disappointment:

“This is something I have never seen since I started playing cricket—a champion team denied their hard-earned trophy. We deserved it, and I can’t say more.”

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia highlighted India’s formal position:

“We have decided not to take the Asia Cup trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the main political leaders of Pakistan. This does not give him the right to take the trophy and medals with him; it is extremely unfortunate. We hope the trophy and medals will be returned to India promptly.”

The BCCI announced it would lodge a strong protest at the upcoming ICC conference.

Fan Reaction and Stadium Atmosphere

• A significant segment of Indian fans remained to support their team and loudly chanted patriotic slogans like "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" during the presentation saga.

• Pakistani supporters expressed frustration, and their team reportedly stayed in the dressing room for more than an hour after the match.

Aftermath and Implications

• This was possibly the first time in cricket history that a winning team was denied the formal trophy presentation on the field.

• The incident spotlighted the challenges of separating politics from sport, particularly in the South Asian context.

• The ICC and ACC face mounting pressure to revisit protocols ensuring neutrality and non-politicization of the game.

• The trophy's physical whereabouts remain with Mohsin Naqvi, pending negotiation for its return to India.

What Lies Ahead

• The BCCI's protest at the ICC aims to address governance issues and prevent such disruptions going forward.

• Both teams are hopeful that cricket returns to the spirit of the game, focusing on competition and camaraderie rather than political disputes.