Asia Cup 2025 Final Ends in Drama: India Clinches Title but Refuses Trophy Presentation

Dubai: In a dramatic conclusion to the Asia Cup 2025 T20 Final, India defeated Pakistan by five wickets to secure their third Asia Cup crown (and second in the T20 format). However, the customary trophy presentation never took place, after the Indian team refused to accept the winner’s trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman, Pakistan’s Interior Minister and PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi, creating unprecedented scenes at the Dubai International Cricket

Stadium.

The Indian team’s decision threw the post-match ceremony into chaos, as players celebrated their triumph without the trophy — lifting their arms in victory amid chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” instead of holding the golden cup.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) publicly backed the team’s stand, calling it a proud moment for a “New India.” “The team’s refusal to accept a trophy from the representative of a nation waging war against India is entirely justified,” said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, who announced a ₹21 crore reward for the squad following their win.

BCCI’s Protest and Official Stand

Speaking to the media, Saikia defended the team’s decision:

“It is unacceptable for Indian players to receive a trophy from someone representing a country that continues to sponsor terrorism against India. While it was unfortunate that the medals and trophy were not handed over, we expect them to be sent to India soon,” he said.

He also confirmed that India would register a formal protest at the upcoming ICC Conference in Dubai this November. “We will raise a strong and serious objection to the conduct of the ACC Chairman at the next meeting,” Saikia added.

BJP Calls It a Symbol of ‘New India’

BJP IT Cell Head Amit Malviya praised the team’s decision, calling it a defining moment.

“India’s refusal to accept the Asia Cup trophy and medals from ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, sends a powerful message. Just as India defeated Pakistan on the field, we have stood firm against the chief propagandist of a terror state. This is New India,” Malviya said on X.

Ceremony Collapses Amid Standoff

The presentation ceremony was delayed for nearly an hour. After India’s refusal, Naqvi reportedly insisted on remaining on stage, leading to a standoff. Eventually, the trophy was removed from the ground — the first such instance in cricket history.

Indian players had agreed to receive the trophy from Emirates Cricket Board Vice-Chairman Khalid Al Zarooni, but Naqvi declined to step aside. Standing nearly 15 yards from the podium, Indian players refused to approach the stage.

According to PTI, the team management questioned ACC officials about the presenter’s identity moments before the ceremony, leading to an emergency meeting. When Naqvi arrived on stage, the crowd booed loudly, chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”

Ultimately, an ACC official announced:

“Ladies and gentlemen, as per the ACC’s communication, the Indian cricket team has decided not to accept the awards tonight. This concludes the post-match presentation.”

Despite the drama, captain Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates celebrated jubilantly on the field, reminiscent of Rohit Sharma’s 2024 T20 World Cup celebrations, as fireworks lit up the night sky.

Pakistan Players Remain Inside Dressing Room

Nearly an hour after the match ended, Pakistan’s players remained in their dressing room, while Naqvi stood awkwardly on the field. When they finally emerged, Indian fans greeted them with chants of “India! India!”

Backdrop: Rising Tensions Beyond the Boundary

This incident follows India’s consistent diplomatic and sporting protest throughout the tournament — including skipping handshakes with Pakistani players and boycotting pre-toss photos. The actions stem from Naqvi’s earlier anti-India remarks, including a cryptic video referencing “Operation Sindoor” and demands that Suryakumar Yadav face Level 4 charges at the ICC for expressing solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Match Summary: India’s Dominance Continues

India won the toss and chose to field, bowling out Pakistan for 146 in 19.1 overs. Sahibzada Farhan (57 off 38) and Fakhar Zaman (46 off 35) provided a steady start, but a middle-order collapse — triggered by Varun Chakravarthy (3/28) and Kuldeep Yadav (3/35) — derailed Pakistan’s innings. Jasprit Bumrah (2/25) sealed the tail with precision.

In reply, India stumbled to 20/3, but Tilak Varma (69 off 53)* and Sanju Samson (24 off 21) anchored the chase. Shivam Dube (33 off 22) provided late support before Rinku Singh, on debut, hit the winning run. India reached 150/5 in 19.4 overs, sealing a comprehensive victory.

Tilak Varma was named Player of the Match, while Abhishek Sharma earned Player of the Tournament with 314 runs.

Amid growing political and sporting tensions, India’s triumph stood as more than just a cricketing milestone — it was a declaration of national pride and self-respect.