A Historic Win Overshadowed by Drama

Asia Cup Trophy ControversyTeam India clinched their ninth Asia Cup title in a thrilling final against Pakistan on S – eptember 28, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. But instead of celebrating with the iconic trophy, the Indian players walked away from the presentation stage, refusing to accept the silverware from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

What followed was an unprecedented scene in cricket history. The trophy was quietly taken backstage, never reaching the hands of the champions. Indian fans in the stadium, who had stayed back for the ceremony, booed loudly and chanted patriotic slogans as Naqvi stood alone on the podium. The moment that should have been a proud celebration turned into a political and diplomatic standoff.

Why Did India Refuse the Trophy?

According to sources from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the team had informed ACC officials beforehand that they would not accept the trophy if presented by Mohsin Naqvi. The reason? Naqvi’s recent social media activity and his controversial stance on India.

Naqvi had posted cryptic videos on X (formerly Twitter), including one showing Cristiano Ronaldo’s plane crash celebration—a gesture linked to Pakistan’s claim of downing Indian jets during “Operation Sindoor.” He also pushed for ICC to charge Indian cricketer Suryakumar Yadav with a Level 4 offence for expressing solidarity with the Indian Army and victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Throughout the tournament, Team India maintained a strict “no handshake” and “no off-field engagement” policy with Pakistani players and officials. The refusal to accept the trophy was a continuation of that stance, signaling a deeper protest against political hostility and perceived disrespect.

What Happened at the Presentation Ceremony?

After India’s five-wicket victory, the players gathered on the field with their families, ready to celebrate. But as Mohsin Naqvi stood on the stage waiting to present the trophy, the Indian team stayed 15 yards away, refusing to approach. ACC officials scrambled to find a solution, even considering Emirates Cricket Board Vice-Chairman Khalid Al Zarooni as an alternative presenter. But Naqvi insisted on doing it himself.

The ceremony was delayed for nearly an hour. Pakistani players remained in their dressing room, and Naqvi stood isolated. Eventually, someone from the organizing team quietly took the trophy backstage. Individual awards were handed out, but the team trophy was never seen again.

Fans in the stadium erupted in chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and booed Naqvi as he stood on the dais. The moment was captured by cameras and quickly went viral, sparking debates across social media and news platforms.

BCCI’s Response and What Comes Next

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the Team’s refusal to accept the trophy was a continuation of that stance, signaling a deeper protest against political hostility and perceived disrespect and strongly criticized Naqvi’s actions. “We cannot accept a trophy from someone who represents a country that is waging a war against ours,” he said. Saikia also condemned Naqvi for taking the trophy and medals with him, calling it “unsportsmanlike and unfortunate.”

The BCCI plans to lodge a formal protest at the upcoming ICC conference in November. They are demanding that the trophy and medals be returned to India and that Naqvi be removed from his role in the ACC.

Meanwhile, fans and former players have rallied behind Team India’s decision, calling it a bold stand for national pride. Social media is flooded with hashtags like #TrophyGate, #IndiaStandsTall, and #NaqviOut.

The incident has also raised questions about the role of politics in sports and whether neutral figures should be appointed for ceremonial duties in international tournaments.