Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Controversy: India Refuses to Accept Cup from ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi

Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Controversy: The Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai ended not only with India’s ninth title but also in unprecedented controversy, as the champions refused to accept the winners’ trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi.

On Sunday night (September 28), shortly after India defeated Pakistan by five wickets, the presentation ceremony turned chaotic. Indian players stood nearly 15 yards away from the podium, refusing to move as Naqvi waited to hand over the cup. Sources confirmed that the Indian team management had asked beforehand who would present the trophy, making it clear that Naqvi’s name was unacceptable.

When Naqvi eventually took the stage, fans inside the Dubai stadium erupted with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, booing the ACC chief. Organisers, sensing the growing tension, decided to whisk the trophy away into the dressing room rather than risk further confrontation.

The boycott was not entirely surprising. Throughout the tournament, India had avoided handshakes with Pakistan’s players and even skipped the customary pre-toss photoshoots, signaling their disapproval of Naqvi’s involvement.

Adding to the drama, Pakistan’s players remained in their dressing room for nearly an hour after the match. With Naqvi stranded on stage, the delay only amplified the embarrassment. When Salman Agha and his team finally emerged, they were met with thunderous chants of “Indiaaaa, Indiaaaa” from the stands.

While India’s dominant performance on the field sealed their record-extending ninth Asia Cup crown, the night will be remembered less for the cricket and more for the trophy controversy that stunned Dubai.