India won the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan in Dubai on 28 September, securing a five-wicket victory. The match was closely contested, with Pakistan scoring 146 runs and India successfully chasing it in 19.4 overs. After the game, a controversy emerged: the Indian team refused to accept the winner’s trophy and medals from ACC president Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister. As a result, the trophy presentation was canceled, leaving the champions celebrating without a physical award.
India’s performance on the field
The ind vs pak clash started with Pakistan posting 146 runs in 19 overs. Early partnerships gave them hope, but a middle-order collapse limited the total.
Kuldeep Yadav took four crucial wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel shared the remaining wickets.
India’s chase began cautiously. Tilak Varma anchored the innings with 69 not out, providing stability. Suryakumar Yadav, the captain, played an important supporting role. India reached 150/5 in 19.4 overs, completing a thrilling win.
This final marked one of the most anticipated India-Pakistan encounters in recent cricket history. Fans from both nations packed the Dubai International Stadium, creating a vibrant and tense atmosphere.
Trophy presentation dispute
After the match, attention shifted to the presentation ceremony. The ACC announced that Mohsin Naqvi would present the trophy.
The BCCI requested a neutral official from the Emirates Cricket Board to handle the presentation. The request was denied, and India decided not to accept the trophy or medals from Naqvi.
Broadcaster Simon Doull explained to viewers that the ceremony would not continue. Only individual awards, such as Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament, were given to Indian players.
The trophy was quietly removed from the stage, and no public handover occurred. The incident became a major talking point on social media, with videos showing players raising imaginary trophies in protest.
Players’ reactions
Captain Suryakumar Yadav emphasized the importance of team unity.
“Our team and the staff are our real trophies. The physical cup is not more important than our effort and discipline.”
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed disappointment, calling India’s refusal “unfortunate for cricket.” Former Pakistani player Shoaib Malik warned that India might regret not accepting the award in the future.
The Indian team remained calm and composed throughout, choosing to maintain their position despite criticism.
Crowd and public reaction
Fans in the stadium expressed their disapproval when Naqvi appeared. Chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” echoed through the stands.
Social media quickly highlighted the symbolic acts by players holding imaginary trophies. The imagery became a representation of India’s refusal to accept the trophy from a political figure of Pakistan.
Political and historical context
The Asia Cup 2025 was held in the United Arab Emirates to avoid political tensions. India and Pakistan had already avoided handshake gestures during all matches in the tournament.
Mohsin Naqvi’s dual role as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and ACC president was a sensitive issue. The Indian team and officials decided that accepting the trophy would contradict their country’s political stance.
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Match highlights
- Pakistan innings: 146 all out in 19 overs
- India chase: 150/5 in 19.4 overs
- Top scorer: Tilak Varma – 69*
- Best bowling: Kuldeep Yadav – 4/24
These stats highlight that India’s performance was disciplined and well-executed, despite the drama off the field.
Implications for cricket
The ind vs pak trophy controversy raises questions about the intersection of sports and politics. Some analysts argue India lost a historic opportunity to celebrate publicly. Others say the team upheld principle over display.
The BCCI has indicated that they will raise the matter at the next ICC meeting, seeking a neutral resolution to formally hand over the trophy.
Future India-Pakistan encounters, including the T20 World Cup, may face extra scrutiny regarding diplomatic and ceremonial protocols. Organizers may also consider clear guidelines to avoid similar situations in the future.
India return home as Asia Cup champions, though without a physical trophy. Their performance on the field will be remembered for excellent teamwork and individual brilliance.
The 2025 final has already become notable not only for runs and wickets but for the unusual off-field stand taken by the Indian team. This event is likely to be referenced in discussions about cricket and diplomacy for years to come.
The ind vs pak final illustrates that cricket can never be fully separated from politics. India’s victory and refusal to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi show that the team valued principle alongside sporting success. This Asia Cup will be remembered as much for the drama off the field as for the thrilling contest on it.
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