In a dramatic conclusion to the Asia Cup 2025 final on September 28, 2025, in Dubai, India clinched a thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan, securing their ninth Asia Cup title. However, the post-match presentation turned chaotic when the Indian team, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, refused to accept the trophy and medals from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, citing his dual role as Pakistan’s Interior Minister. The standoff led to the trophy being whisked away, leaving India to celebrate empty-handed on stage, an unprecedented event in cricket history.
Match Highlights
India’s victory was powered by Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 off 53 balls and a crucial 60-run partnership with Shivam Dube (33 off 22). Pakistan, batting first, collapsed from 113-2 to 146 all out, with India’s spinners, led by Kuldeep Yadav (4-30), triggering a dramatic meltdown. Rinku Singh hit the winning runs with two balls to spare, sealing India’s unbeaten run in the tournament.
Trophy Drama and Handshake Row
Tensions between India and Pakistan had been simmering throughout the tournament, fueled by the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent cross-border hostilities. India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistan players after matches, including the group stage and Super Four encounters, sparked controversy, with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha calling it “disrespectful to cricket.” The situation escalated in the final when India informed the ACC they would not accept the trophy from Naqvi, leading to a one-hour delay in the presentation ceremony. When Naqvi insisted on presenting the trophy, India stood firm, and the ACC eventually removed the trophy and medals from the stage.
Pakistan’s team delayed their appearance at the ceremony by nearly an hour, leaving Naqvi stranded on stage amid boos from Indian fans chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” Pakistan received their runner-up medals, but Agha threw aside the runner-up cheque in protest. Indian players Tilak Varma (Player of the Match), Abhishek Sharma (Player of the Tournament), and Kuldeep Yadav (MVP) collected their individual awards but did not acknowledge Naqvi. The Indian team later celebrated on the dais with an imaginary trophy, with players like Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya posting social media images with a trophy emoji, subtly mocking the situation.
Reactions and Fallout
Pakistan captain Salman Agha criticized India’s actions, stating, “What India did—not shaking hands, not taking the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi—they are not only disrespecting us, they are also disrespecting the sport of cricket.” He questioned the precedent set by India’s refusal to follow protocol.
Suryakumar Yadav expressed shock, saying, “I have never seen a champion team denied a trophy,” and dedicated his match fees to the Indian armed forces, referencing the Pahalgam attack. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia announced a ₹21 crore prize for the team and confirmed plans to lodge a protest against Naqvi at the next ICC meeting, calling his actions “very unsporting.”
Prize Money
Despite the controversy, both teams are set to receive significant prize money. Reports indicate the winning team (India) will receive $300,000 (approximately ₹2.6 crore), while the runner-up (Pakistan) will get $150,000. Additionally, the BCCI announced a ₹21 crore reward for the Indian team and support staff. Individual awards included $15,000 each for Kuldeep Yadav and Abhishek Sharma.
A Politically Charged Tournament
The Asia Cup 2025, the first to feature an India-Pakistan final in its 41-year history, was marred by off-field tensions. Pakistan’s players faced criticism for provocative gestures, including Haris Rauf’s mimicry of plane crashes, referencing unverified claims of downing Indian jets. The PCB’s threat to boycott the tournament after the handshake snub and Naqvi’s cryptic social media posts further escalated the drama, overshadowing the cricket.
The episode has sparked debates about sportsmanship and the politicization of cricket, with fans and experts lamenting that the game’s spirit was overshadowed by egos and diplomatic tensions. As Indian players celebrated their triumph with mock trophies and unwavering spirit, the absence of the physical trophy underscored the deep rift in India-Pakistan cricketing ties.
