In an extraordinary twist to what should have been a glorious moment, India declined to receive the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, setting off a dramatic public standoff.
The Match & The Build-Up
India clinched a thrilling victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final, winning by five wickets with just two balls to spare. However, the post-match celebration turned chaotic during the trophy presentation. The Indian Express+4Reuters+4Cricbuzz+4
From the outset, tensions were high. Reports indicate that India had already informed organizers they would not accept the trophy if Mohsin Naqvi himself attempted to hand it over. Naqvi stood firm, insisting that only he would present the trophy. Cricbuzz+2Cricbuzz+2
The Showdown
When the moment of handover arrived, the Indian players stayed back. They refused to step onto the dais or take the trophy from Naqvi. The presentation was delayed for over an hour amid rising tension. Ultimately, the trophy was hurriedly removed from the field without being awarded to India. The Economic Times+4Cricbuzz+4Cricbuzz+4
Only individual awards—Player of the Match, Player of the Tournament, etc.—were handed out, and even then, no acknowledgment was made toward Naqvi. NDTV Sports+3Reuters+3AP News+3
Reactions & Fallout
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was swift to condemn the act. Its Secretary, Devajit Saikia, called Naqvi’s move “unsportsmanlike” and demanded the return of medals and the trophy. He also confirmed that the BCCI will lodge a formal protest with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the matter. The Indian Express+2Hindustan Times+2
Indian players appeared to maintain composure amid the drama. They celebrated their win on the field but without the physical symbol of victory in hand.
Mohsin Naqvi, already controversial for his vocal views on India, has been at the center of this drama. Some reports suggest that his prior anti-India statements and actions contributed to India’s resolve to reject the handover. Reuters+5The Indian Express+5Cricbuzz+5
What It Means
This incident marks one of the rarest and most politically charged moments in modern cricket. A trophy presentation—normally symbolic of sportsmanship—turned into a battleground for national sentiment and principled stance.
India’s refusal to accept the trophy from Naqvi not only sends a strong diplomatic message but also deepens the intersection of politics and sport in this region. The BCCI’s next move—its protest before the ICC—will be watched closely for how international cricket governance handles such controversies.
