In a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 Asia Cup final held in Dubai, India edged out Pakistan in a closely contested match, securing victory by a narrow margin of five wickets. The post-match events generated significant controversy, particularly concerning the trophy presentation. The Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, celebrated their win but conspicuously without the trophy. Reports suggest the Indian players refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and also Pakistan’s interior minister, who is also the chief of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Confusion arose when the Pakistan squad arrived late for the presentation, leading to delays. The trophy presentation was initially slated to be conducted by Khalid Al Zarooni, Vice-Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board. However, commentator Simon Doull announced that the Indian team would not be accepting the trophy. Naqvi was subsequently observed departing the ground. Suryakumar Yadav, in an interview with The Indian Express, clarified that the team was not responsible for any delays and distanced himself and the team from the decision to forgo the trophy ceremony. He denied any involvement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in the situation. Yadav stated, ‘We didn’t close the door and sit inside the dressing room. We didn’t make anyone wait for the presentation ceremony. They ran away with the trophy. That’s what I saw. I don’t know, some people were making a video of us, but we were standing. We didn’t go inside… We took that decision on our own on the ground. I saw them talking on stage and I don’t know the details of their chat. Some in the crowd started booing. And then we saw someone who was their representative taking the trophy and running away.’
