Team India stamped its dominance in Asia Cup 2025 by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan in the final, securing their ninth title and completing a hat-trick of victories against Pakistan in this edition. The win was supposed to mark a moment of celebration, but instead, the spotlight shifted to an unexpected post-match controversy involving Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi.
Why India Refused the Trophy from Naqvi
According to reports, the Indian team had already decided not to accept the trophy or medals from Naqvi, who also serves as a minister in the Pakistan government. His repeated political remarks during the tournament, coupled with controversial social media posts targeting India, led to the firm stance from Team India.
During the presentation ceremony, ACC officials suggested that the trophy could be handed over by Emirates Cricket Board Vice-President Khalid Al Zarooni, but Naqvi reportedly refused to step aside. This created an hour-long delay in the ceremony. In the end, Naqvi left the venue carrying the trophy, leaving Indian players to celebrate their triumph without it.
PM Modi’s Congratulatory Tweet and Naqvi’s Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Team India on the emphatic win, tweeting:
“खेल के मैदान में ऑपरेशन सिंदूर. नतीजा वही है—भारत की जीत. हमारे क्रिकेटर्स को बधाई।”
This message, intended as a note of encouragement, was met with a sharp and controversial response from Naqvi. In a post on social media, Naqvi claimed:
“If war is your measure of pride, history has already recorded your shameful defeats at the hands of Pakistan. Dragging war into cricket reflects desperation and insults the spirit of the game.”
His remarks not only drew criticism from Indian fans but also from cricket analysts, who accused him of politicizing the sport and disrespecting the spirit of competition.
The trophy fiasco and Naqvi’s political comments have sparked outrage. Fans at the stadium reportedly chanted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Modi-Modi” slogans when Pakistan’s captain and officials took the stage. On social media, supporters questioned whether Naqvi was representing the ACC or acting solely as a Pakistani minister, blurring the lines of neutrality expected in such roles.
Cricket experts have also criticized Naqvi, arguing that his role as ACC President required impartiality. Some even called for ICC intervention and possible disciplinary action against him for breaching the spirit of the game.
Also see: India Finally Celebrates with Asia Cup Trophy After Controversial Drama with Mohsin Naqvi
India’s Stand and Discipline
Despite the controversy, Team India displayed remarkable discipline. Players like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma accepted their individual awards but the entire squad stood firm on its decision to reject the trophy from Naqvi. This unified stand underscored the team’s message: focus on cricket, not politics.
Also see: IND vs PAK Final: Trophy Row Overshadows India’s Historic Asia Cup 2025 Triumph
What Happens Next?
With BCCI reportedly demanding the trophy be returned, the controversy is far from over. Whether the ACC or ICC will step in remains to be seen. For now, the Asia Cup 2025 final will be remembered not just for India’s commanding victory but also for the trophy that never reached the winners’ hands.
