The Asia Cup 2025 concluded with India defeating Pakistan by 5 wickets in a thrilling final, yet controversy surrounded the trophy presentation. Despite a spectacular performance on the field, India returned home without the ACC trophy, sparking debates across the cricketing world.
ACC Meeting Addresses Trophy Issue
A recent meeting of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) held at its Dubai headquarters discussed the trophy presentation issue. India’s representatives, Rajiv Shukla and Ashish Shelar, attended via video conference and expressed India’s strong objection to not receiving the trophy. During the meeting, it was decided that ACC’s test-playing members—India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh—would collectively determine whether the trophy should be presented.
During this meeting, BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla questioned Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chief, about the incident. He asked, “Why was the winning team not presented with the trophy? This is the ACC trophy and should be officially awarded to the winners.”
In response, Mohsin Naqvi clarified, “ACC was never informed in writing that India would refuse the trophy from me. I was standing there like a cartoon without any reason.” This statement attempted to clear any misunderstanding regarding his role during the post-match presentation ceremony.
India’s Victory and Trophy Controversy
On September 28, India triumphed over Pakistan in a closely fought final. After the match, while individual awards were handed out, the ACC president, Mohsin Naqvi, attempted to present the trophy and medals to the Indian team. However, as Mohsin Naqvi also holds a government position in Pakistan, Indian players declined to accept awards directly from him. Captain Suryakumar Yadav led the team in celebrating the win without the trophy. India eventually returned on September 29 without the trophy, creating a rare situation in cricket history.
Asia Cup 2025: Controversies and Tensions
This edition of the Asia Cup saw several controversial moments. On September 14, during a league match, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha at the toss. Despite winning the match, Indian players returned straight to the pavilion, bypassing the post-match formalities. The Pakistani team canceled its post-match press conference in protest.
Fast bowler Harris Rauf from Pakistan also sparked controversy. During the India-Pakistan match, he made a “6-0” gesture toward Indian fans, referencing the four-day Operation Sindur along the India-Pakistan border in May—a claim about Indian fighter jets being shot down that was never verified. This gesture quickly went viral on social media, leading to widespread criticism and trolling from Indian fans.
Mohsin Naqvi’s Role and Statement
Mohsin Naqvi maintained that there was no intention to disrespect the Indian team. He emphasized that the lack of written communication to ACC caused the misunderstanding. His statement, “I was standing like a cartoon,” reflected the unusual position he found himself in during the trophy presentation.
Mohsin Naqvi’s clarification has been significant in easing tensions between the ACC, PCB, and BCCI. The incident also highlights the sensitivity of cricket diplomacy, especially in matches between India and Pakistan, where sporting protocols and political contexts often intersect.
Also read: India Refuse to Take Trophy: Asia Cup 2025 Controversy Leaves Cricket World Shocked
Moving Forward: Lessons from the Controversy
The Asia Cup 2025 has shown the importance of clear communication and well-defined protocols in international cricket. ACC officials are expected to review these procedures to prevent similar misunderstandings in future tournaments. Fans and analysts hope that future trophy presentations will avoid political or ceremonial complications, ensuring that winning teams receive their due recognition without controversy.
While India’s on-field performance was praised globally, the trophy controversy underscored the delicate balance between sportsmanship, diplomacy, and ceremony. Mohsin Naqvi’s role in clarifying the misunderstanding highlights how proper communication can prevent disputes and maintain the spirit of cricket.
The Asia Cup 2025, therefore, concluded with a memorable match but also left cricketing boards with lessons in protocol, transparency, and respect. As Mohsin Naqvi pointed out, clear instructions and proper coordination among boards are key to celebrating champions without any complications.
