India’s 5-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final should have been a night of celebration, but the trophy presentation ceremony descended into controversy. Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi refused to hand the Asia Cup trophy and medals to the Indian team, instead taking them to his hotel. This incident sparked widespread outrage and confusion among players and fans alike.

Team India had explicitly decided not to accept the trophy from Naqvi, citing his dual role as a Pakistani minister and the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia explained that while the Indian players refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, it did not give Naqvi the right to walk away with the trophies and medals. Saikia strongly reprimanded Naqvi's conduct as unsportsmanlike and “unbearable,” demanding the immediate return of the awards to the Indian team.

The BCCI further stated that if the trophy is not returned by October, they will lodge a formal protest at the November ICC conference in Dubai. India had offered to accept the trophy from the Vice Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board instead, but Naqvi refused to step aside, prolonging the standoff.

India’s players, refusing to let the controversy dampen their spirits, celebrated their historic victory on the field and in front of the media without the trophy, with captain Suryakumar Yadav leading the celebrations. The incident has caused significant tension between the two cricket boards and is expected to have lasting repercussions in international cricket relations.