Dubai: Following India’s dramatic victory over Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup final, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson addressed the unusual controversy surrounding the tournament’s trophy. After defeating Pakistan by five wickets at the Dubai International Stadium, the Indian team did not receive the actual trophy.
Instead, captain Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates mimicked a trophy lift without the silverware, celebrating with pyrotechnics in the background. Samson downplayed the incident, suggesting that the team had no concerns about the situation. He offered a humorous perspective, indicating that the matter was not being taken seriously by the players.
Trophy presentation controversy
The incident arose when the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, amid ongoing political tensions following a military conflict between the two nations earlier in the year. The presentation ceremony was delayed and ultimately shortened, with India’s players accepting only individual awards without acknowledging Naqvi.
Team focus and sportsmanship
Despite the controversy, Samson’s light-hearted response highlighted the team’s focus on the game and their ability to maintain composure amid external distractions. India’s players emphasised celebrating their victory while avoiding engagement in political issues during the ceremony.