I will return the trophy and medals, but…Mohsin Naqvi has placed a childish condition for awarding the title to Team India.

New Delhi: Following India’s impressive victory in the final of the Asia Cup 2025, a major controversy has erupted over the trophy. The Indian team has categorically refused to accept the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi. Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), made anti-India statements throughout the tournament. Consequently, the Indian team has not yet received the trophy. Naqvi has left the Dubai International Stadium with the trophy. The controversy continues, with neither side willing to back down.

The Indian cricket team defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets in the final. After the match ended on a 22-yard pitch, another match began, played behind the scenes. The post-match trophy presentation ceremony was delayed by 45 minutes. The Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi. Naqvi is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister. He repeatedly made anti-India statements throughout the tournament and mocked India through offensive and inflammatory social media posts.

According to a Cricbuzz report, Naqvi said that the Indian team can only accept its medals if a formal ceremony is held. He personally wants to present the awards at this ceremony. However, his demand is unlikely to be met. No such ceremony will be held.

The Indian team consulted with BCCI officials in Mumbai and subsequently decided to discontinue any contact with Naqvi. Even before the Asia Cup final began, the world knew that India would refuse to accept the trophy from Naqvi. The Indian team did not shake hands with anyone from the Pakistan camp throughout the Asia Cup. Naqvi, despite holding the position of ACC chief, posted anti-India comments on social media.

Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma, and Kuldeep Yadav received their individual awards at the presentation ceremony. The Pakistani players were also presented with runner-up checks and medals. However, there was no trophy presentation for the Indian team. Naqvi wanted to present the trophy himself, not letting anyone else take the spotlight. Naqvi then left the stadium with the trophy, not handing over the title to India.