Sports News : The Asia Cup 2025 Final was no less than a dramatic film climax. While Team India defeated Pakistan to clinch their 9th Asia Cup title, the post-match scenes at Dubai International Stadium have become a hot topic across the cricketing world.
The match concluded around midnight, but even by 1:15 AM, the post-match presentation ceremony had not begun. According to reports, Team India refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, citing political and ethical concerns.
Trophy Drama Delays Ceremony
The presentation stage was set, and Mohsin Naqvi had already taken his place on the dais. However, Team India never showed up. Reports had already suggested that Indian players might boycott the trophy ceremony if Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister and known for his anti-India rhetoric, was to hand over the award.
India had reportedly requested that Khalid Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, present the trophy instead. However, this request was denied, leading to India’s decision to skip the ceremony altogether.
Pakistan Team Locked Themselves in Dressing Room
Adding to the chaos, Pakistan’s team reportedly locked themselves in the dressing room for nearly an hour following the defeat. The crushing loss to India — their third defeat to India in the tournament — left them visibly shaken. In an unprecedented move, the entire team avoided the crowd, refused to appear on stage, and stayed inside their room while Indian players spoke to broadcasters.
Naqvi’s Embarrassment & Presentation Collapse
When Naqvi finally came on stage for the runner-up medal presentation, chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” filled the stadium. Angry Pakistani fans booed Naqvi, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf. In response, Naqvi reportedly refused to present medals to his own team.
Eventually, Bangladesh Cricket Board President Aminul Islam handed over the runner-up medals. However, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, in a moment of frustration, threw away the runner-up cheque, showing visible signs of anger and disappointment.
No Trophy, No Celebration
Indian players had made it clear: they would not accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi under any circumstances. As a result, India had to celebrate their title without the physical trophy. Reports suggest that Naqvi ordered the trophy to be withheld from the ceremony entirely to avoid further embarrassment.
BCCI Reacts Strongly
Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav slammed the “petty behavior” of the ACC President during the post-match press conference. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia called Naqvi’s conduct “unfortunate and against the spirit of sportsmanship.” He added that BCCI would formally raise the issue at the ICC conference in Dubai this November.
Tilak Verma Shines in Final
The match itself saw India collapse to 20/3 while chasing Pakistan’s 147-run target, but Tilak Verma held one end and orchestrated a stunning comeback. He scored an unbeaten 69 off 53 balls, earning the Player of the Match award. With crucial partnerships alongside Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh, India pulled off a memorable five-wicket win.
Naqvi’s decision to politicize the sporting event has sparked widespread criticism and may have long-term implications for ACC leadership.
