India may have clinched their ninth Asia Cup title with a five-wicket win over Pakistan, but the final will be remembered less for the cricket and more for the drama that unfolded at the presentation ceremony.
Trophy Controversy Overshadows Victory
After an intense campaign where India remained unbeaten, the team expected to lift the winner’s trophy at the Dubai International Stadium. However, the ceremony took an unusual turn when the trophy was withdrawn. Reports suggest Indian players refused to accept it from Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president.
The delay in proceedings stretched beyond an hour, and eventually, organisers left the dais with the trophy, leaving the Indian team to celebrate by hoisting an “imaginary” one.
Suryakumar Expresses Disappointment
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav said it was an unprecedented experience. “I’ve never seen this before, that a champion team is denied a trophy, and that too a hard-earned one. My real trophies are the 14 guys and support staff in the dressing room,” he told reporters.
He later lifted an imaginary cup alongside his teammates, symbolising their defiance. “At the end of the day, the win matters. The big screen said ‘India – Asia Cup 2025 Champions.’ That’s enough,” he added.
Tense Relations Between Teams
The final was the third meeting between India and Pakistan in the tournament, marked by frosty exchanges. Indian players refused to shake hands with their rivals throughout the competition, with the political tensions between the countries spilling onto the field.
Despite Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 steering India past Pakistan’s total of 146, it was the off-field events that dominated the headlines.
Pakistan Calls It Disrespect
Pakistan captain Salman Agha criticised India’s stance, saying it went against the spirit of the game. “They’re not just disrespecting us, they’re disrespecting cricket. Good teams don’t behave like this,” Agha remarked.
Pakistan players posed with the trophy alone after the Indians refused, fulfilling their obligations before leaving the stage.
Cricket in the Shadows
The Asia Cup was meant to showcase high-quality cricket, but the final highlighted the deep political rift between the neighbours. While India walked away with the title and a prize fund of Rs 21 crore from the BCCI, the night will be remembered for the absence of the silverware that defines champions.
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