A Final Full of Fire: India Wins, Emotions Explode

The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan was expected to be intense, but no one predicted the drama that unfolded after the match. India won the title for the ninth time, chasing down Pakistan’s total of 146 with just two balls to spare. But the real shock came during the post-match presentation.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, visibly frustrated after the loss, stunned everyone by throwing the $75 million runner-up cheque in front of Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The act was caught on camera and quickly went viral, sparking outrage, debate, and sympathy across the cricketing world.

The moment capped off a chaotic evening where India refused to accept the winner’s trophy from Naqvi, citing political tensions and past controversies. The trophy was quietly taken away, leaving both teams without a proper celebration.

Why Did Salman Agha React So Strongly?

Salman Agha’s frustration wasn’t just about losing the match. In his post-match interview, he admitted the team’s batting collapse was hard to accept. “It’s a tough pill to swallow. We couldn’t finish nicely with the bat. Our bowling was superb, but our batting is a concern,” he said.

But the real trigger seemed to be the presentation ceremony itself. After India refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, the atmosphere turned tense. Pakistani players stayed in the dressing room for nearly an hour. When they finally came out, Agha received the cheque from Naqvi and flung it away in front of the cameras.

Many fans saw this as a symbolic protest – not just against the loss, but against the political undertones that had overshadowed the tournament. Agha later said, “They’re not just disrespecting us, they’re disrespecting cricket”.

Trophy Drama: India’s Silent Protest

India’s refusal to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi was a bold move. The team had reportedly informed ACC officials that they would only accept the trophy from a neutral figure, such as Emirates Cricket Board Vice-Chairman Khalid Al Zarooni. Naqvi refused to step aside, leading to a 90-minute deadlock.

Eventually, the trophy and medals were removed from the stage. India celebrated without any silverware, with players miming trophy lifts and posing with imaginary medals. Fans in the stadium chanted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and booed Naqvi as he stood alone on the podium.

The incident sparked a wave of support for Team India’s stance, while also raising questions about the role of politics in sports. Should ministers be involved in ceremonial duties? Should players be forced to accept awards from controversial figures?

What This Means for Cricket Diplomacy

The Asia Cup 2025 final will be remembered not just for the thrilling cricket, but for the emotional and political storm that followed. Salman Agha’s cheque-throwing gesture and India’s trophy boycott have opened up a global conversation on sportsmanship, diplomacy, and the boundaries between politics and play.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to raise the issue at the upcoming ICC conference. Meanwhile, fans and analysts are divided — some praising the players for standing up for their beliefs, others calling for more professionalism in international tournaments.

As cricket continues to be a powerful symbol of national pride, incidents like these remind us that the game is more than just runs and wickets. It’s about respect, representation, and the messages we send to millions watching around the world.