Dubai: Trophy drama after Asia Cup final

After India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 final, the post-match ceremony witnessed an unexpected turn. Indian players declined to accept the trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president. The decision followed strained diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan, including recent security tensions in Jammu & Kashmir and India’s Operation Sindoor.

Naqvi’s controversial exit

In response to India’s refusal, Naqvi took the trophy and medals and exited the stadium. The incident quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention and overshadowing the post-match celebrations. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) condemned Naqvi’s actions and announced plans to lodge a formal protest at the upcoming ICC conference in November.

Public and IPL reactions

The incident generated a mix of criticism and humor online:

  • Delhi Capitals, an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, shared a humorous video, editing a trophy into India’s celebration and captioning it “fixed it,” mocking the unexpected turn of events.

  • Fans and commentators debated the appropriateness of the PCB chief’s actions, highlighting how cricket often intersects with politics and diplomacy.

    • Conclusion

    The Asia Cup 2025 final not only saw a thrilling on-field contest but also a diplomatic and ceremonial controversy off the field. While India celebrated the win, the trophy incident involving Mohsin Naqvi has sparked debates on sportsmanship, protocol, and the sensitivity of international cricket events in politically tense contexts.