Dubai: In a scene straight out of a tense cricketing thriller, the Indian team refused to accept the Asia Cup 2025 winners' trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also doubles as Pakistan's interior minister and head of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
The unprecedented moment came immediately after India defeated Pakistan by five wickets at the Dubai International Stadium, a victory that was hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. On X, PM Modi wrote: "Operation Sindoor on the games field – our boys have shown the world what Bharat is made of," sending fans across India into a frenzy.
As the presentation ceremony was set to begin, Indian players stood their ground some 15 yards away from Naqvi, effectively halting the proceedings.
The team management reportedly made it clear that Naqvi was not an acceptable figure to present the trophy. Then Naqvi took the trophy with him. Fans in the stadium responded with chants of "Bharat Maata Ki Jai," amplifying the charged atmosphere.
The Asian Cricket Council subsequently confirmed that the Indian team would not be collecting their awards that night, bringing the post-match presentation to an abrupt close. There would be no customary trophy handover, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the incident.
This was not a sudden decision. Throughout the tournament, the Indian squad avoided handshakes and the customary pre-toss photographs with Pakistani players, signaling their stance well in advance. Pakistani players, in turn, remained in their dressing room for nearly an hour after the match, leaving Naqvi isolated at the presentation podium.
Adding to the tensions, Naqvi had recently posted provocative videos targeting Indian cricketers and demanded ICC action against Suryakumar Yadav for standing in solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Meanwhile, the BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia informed ‘ANI’ that they had decided not to take the Asia Cup trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the main leaders of Pakistan.
“But that does not mean that the gentleman will take away the trophy with him, along with the medals. So, it is very unfortunate and we hope that the trophy and the medals will be returned to India as soon as possible,” he said.
“There is an ICC conference in November in Dubai and we are going to launch a very serious and very strong protest against the act of the ACC chairperson,” the BCCI Secretary said.
India's firm refusal was not just about protocol; it was a statement of principle. Cricket, after all, may be played on the field, but sometimes the battles extend beyond it. This episode marks one of the most dramatic and politically charged moments in Asia Cup history.
