Dubai [UAE]: India captain Suryakumar Yadav has broken his silence on the dramatic trophy incident that unfolded after the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan in Dubai. India defeated Pakistan by five wickets to lift the title, but the post-match presentation turned controversial after Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief and Pakistani minister Mohsin Naqvi left the ceremony with the trophy.
Trophy drama after final win
The Indian team had reportedly conveyed its unwillingness to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi due to his political ties with Pakistan. When the issue became clear on stage, Naqvi is said to have walked away with the trophy, leaving the Indian players stunned.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Suryakumar Yadav described what he witnessed: “We didn’t close the door and sit inside the dressing room. We didn’t make anyone wait for the presentation ceremony. Trophy leke bhaag gaye woh (They ran away with the trophy). That’s what I saw. We were standing there, not inside. Some people were making videos of us.”
A video that surfaced on social media later showed an official retrieving the trophy after Naqvi’s abrupt exit, adding to the confusion around the incident.
Team’s decision, not BCCI’s
Suryakumar also clarified that the decision not to accept the trophy from Naqvi was taken by the players on the ground and not influenced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or the Indian government.
“First of all, let me make it clear, no one from the Government or the BCCI told us anything throughout the tournament that if someone gives a trophy, we won’t take it. We took that decision on our own. The ACC officials were standing on the stage, and we were standing below. I saw them talking, then some in the crowd started booing. Soon after, we saw their representative take the trophy and leave,” he explained.
Political backdrop fuels row
The Asia Cup final was not only a sporting contest but also came against the backdrop of heightened India-Pakistan tensions. Naqvi’s dual role as ACC chief and Pakistan’s political figure made the Indian team uncomfortable in receiving the trophy directly from him.
Reports in Pakistan suggested that India’s refusal was orchestrated by the BCCI. However, Suryakumar strongly refuted these claims, underlining that it was purely a players’ decision based on the moment.
Pakistan’s reactions and criticism
Several voices in Pakistan cricket circles criticised the Indian team, suggesting that politics was unfairly brought into cricket. Others blamed the ACC for poor handling of the presentation ceremony. The visuals of Naqvi leaving the stage with the trophy added to the embarrassment and drew widespread coverage in both Indian and international media.
Meanwhile, Indian fans on social media hailed the players for standing firm on principle. The hashtag “TrophyGate” quickly trended, with users mocking the ACC chief’s abrupt exit.
India’s Asia Cup triumph
Despite the controversy, India’s on-field triumph remained the highlight. Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, Tilak Varma’s match-winning knock of 69 not out, and disciplined bowling by Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy ensured India chased down Pakistan’s 147-run target with two balls to spare.
The Asia Cup victory further cemented India’s dominance in regional cricket, but the trophy row cast a shadow on what could have been a purely celebratory moment.
Conclusion
The Asia Cup 2025 final will be remembered as much for India’s spirited win as for the extraordinary trophy controversy. While the Indian team has clarified its stance, the ACC now faces questions about its management of the event and the conduct of its chief. For fans, however, India’s victory remains the ultimate takeaway.