The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan was marked by incredible drama both on and off the field. After Team India defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets to claim their ninth title, controversy erupted during the trophy presentation ceremony. Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan’s Interior Minister, refused to hand over the trophy to India. Instead, Naqvi took the trophy and Team India’s medals back to his hotel—the act that sparked widespread criticism and anger among Indian cricket officials and fans.

Mohsin Naqvi’s political and administrative career is riddled with controversy. Initially a journalist educated in Lahore and Ohio, he transitioned into Pakistani politics and cricket administration, becoming interim Punjab Chief Minister in 2022 before assuming PCB chairmanship in February 2024 and ACC presidency in April 2025. His tenure has faced intense scrutiny due to allegations of corruption, including a 2024 audit revealing misappropriation of approximately PKR 6.5 billion under his watch. He has also been accused of accepting bribes in a ₹9 billion fraud case back in 2009 and implicated in questionable appointments and financial irregularities within the PCB.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has condemned Naqvi’s actions, labeling them “childish” and against the spirit of cricket. BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia cautioned that the Indian players’ refusal to accept the trophy from a Pakistani minister was driven by ongoing hostilities between the two nations. The BCCI has issued Naqvi an ultimatum to return the Asia Cup trophy or face a formal protest at the ICC conference in Dubai in November 2025.

The incident has underscored the deep tensions between cricket bodies of both countries, with Naqvi’s controversial past adding fuel to the fire. Despite the political and administrative issues, Team India’s flawless performance in the tournament remains a bright spot for Indian cricket enthusiasts, celebrating their undefeated run and commanding victories over Pakistan in three consecutive encounters.