The final of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai was marked by chaos. India defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets, winning the title for a record ninth time.
But the joy of victory was dampened when Mohsin Naqvi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief and President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), walked away with the trophy.
The Indian team had categorically refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi. Fans were shocked by this. The BCCI termed this as completely untrue and issued a stern warning to the PCB.
Major drama over the trophy
The presentation ceremony after the match erupted into a full-blown drama. The Indian players had already informed the organizers that they would not take the stage if Naqvi tried to present the trophy.
Naqvi stood on the stage, but the team refused. Then, Naqvi left with the trophy and medals.
The ceremony was delayed by about an hour. The Pakistani team was locked in the dressing room.
Ultimately, the Indian players received their individual awards, but had to celebrate without the trophy.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said at a press conference,
“We have decided not to take the Asia Cup trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the main leaders of Pakistan. So we decided not to take it from him. But that does not mean that the gentleman will take away the trophy and the medals to his hotel.”
He called it very unfortunate and disrespectful.
Saikia further said that all this will not be tolerated. He congratulated the team on the victory and said,
“My first reaction is that the BCCI is extremely happy and we congratulate the Indian cricket team for beating Pakistan in the group stage, Super 4, and the final. All three matches were one-sided, and we congratulate our players and support staff for bringing glory to the country.”
He also explained that, according to the government’s sports policy, India does not play bilateral series against Pakistan, but does play in multinational tournaments.
Saikia linked the victory to the performance of the armed forces, saying, “Our armed forces have performed well in the border areas. The same has been replicated in Dubai now.”
BCCI’s strict warning and announcement of reward
The BCCI has demanded the return of the trophy soon. Saikia said, “We are certainly going to do that. In the first week of November, there is an ICC conference in Dubai. In the next conference, we will lodge a very strong and stern protest against the acts of the ACC chairman.”
This protest will be against Naqvi’s behavior. On the other hand, the team received a good reward.
Saikia said, “As part of the celebrations, BCCI has announced a cash award of ₹21 crore in favour of the players and the support staff who are part of the Indian team in the Asia Cup.”
This amount will be distributed among the players and staff.
