The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan ended not only with a thrilling five-wicket win for India but also in unprecedented controversy during the post-match presentation ceremony on Sunday night.
India, crowned Asia Cup champions for a record ninth time, stunned fans when the players refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan minister Mohsin Naqvi. The team insisted they would only receive it from Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni. With Naqvi refusing to step aside, organisers eventually removed the trophy from the stage — leaving the tournament without an official handover, a first in cricket history.
Pakistan Captain’s Outburst
Adding fuel to the fire, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha collected his runners-up cheque from Naqvi, only to throw it away in frustration moments later, sparking boos from Indian fans in the stands. Cameras captured the dramatic moment, which quickly went viral.
Pakistan players had remained in the dressing room for nearly an hour before reluctantly emerging to collect their cheques, witnessing their captain’s angry gesture in public.
Fans’ Reactions
As Naqvi attempted to conduct the presentation, Indian supporters in the stadium loudly chanted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, underscoring the charged political atmosphere that had overshadowed the tournament.
The Match
On the field, India held its nerve in a gripping contest. Chasing Pakistan’s 146 all out, India stumbled to 20-3, but Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 (53 balls) and Shivam Dube’s 33 steadied the innings. Their 60-run stand swung momentum back India’s way before Rinku Singh, facing his first ball of the tournament, sealed victory with a boundary.
Earlier, Pakistan collapsed dramatically from 113-1 to 146 all out, undone by Kuldeep Yadav’s superb 4-30.
A Historic Final
The match marked the first-ever India-Pakistan Asia Cup final, living up to its billing with both high drama on the field and an explosive fallout off it.