Team India celebrates without a trophy after winning the Asia Cup cricket final against Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, on September 28, 2025
| Photo Credit: AP
IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 Final – What should have been a thrilling celebration of India’s record ninth Asia Cup crown turned into one of the most controversial nights in cricket history. Despite Rinku Singh sealing the win with two balls to spare, the post-match drama stole the spotlight and left fans fuming.
Trophy Snub Sparks Outrage
India refused to accept the glittering trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the PCB chief and Pakistan’s Interior Minister. In retaliation, Naqvi walked away with the cup, denying India captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team the joy of lifting the silverware on stage.
The final ended around 10:30 p.m. local time, but the presentation was delayed for over 75 minutes. When the ceremony eventually began, Pakistan players received their runner-up medals and individual awards were distributed. However, after Abhishek Sharma was announced Player of the Tournament, the presentation ended abruptly — the Asia Cup trophy had already vanished from the field.
Pakistan Captain Slams India
Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha was quick to criticize India’s actions, calling their refusal to accept the trophy “disrespectful.”
> “They’re disrespecting cricket. Good teams don’t do what they did today. We went to pose with the trophy ourselves because we wanted to fulfil our obligations,” Agha said.
He further revealed that Suryakumar Yadav had privately shaken hands earlier in the tournament, but India’s visible refusal on camera was dictated by political instructions.
Political Undertones Run Deep
The Asia Cup 2025 was marred by controversies right from the start. India followed its government’s directive to avoid handshakes with Pakistan’s players after the September 14 clash. Meanwhile, Pakistan themselves came under fire for delaying a group-stage game against the UAE over a threat to pull out.
The political undertones resurfaced in the final too. While Suryakumar donated his entire match fees to the Indian armed forces, Agha announced that Pakistan’s players would donate theirs to civilians killed in retaliatory airstrikes after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Fans React Strongly
In Dubai, Indian fans celebrated the victory with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Virat Kohli”, while also booing Naqvi and the Pakistan team. Social media quickly filled with posts mocking the chaotic presentation and India’s “trophy-less” celebration.
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Despite the political storm, one fact remains clear: India emerged victorious, securing their ninth Asia Cup title and reinforcing their dominance in Asian cricket. Yet, the 2025 edition will be remembered less for the cricket and more for the unprecedented off-field drama.
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