ACC chief snatches Asia Cup trophy after India refuses to accept it

When Mohsin Naqvi, PCB chairman and ACC president bolted onto the stage with the Asia Cup trophy, India’s players were still buzzing from a 26‑run victory over arch‑rival Pakistan. The drama unfolded at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 28, 2025, and quickly turned the celebratory finish into a geopolitical showdown.

Background: A rivalry that fuels every encounter

The India‑Pakistan cricket feud has long been more than sport; it mirrors decades‑old political tensions. This year’s Asia Cup 2025 finalDubai was billed as the ultimate test of nerves, with both sides having already exchanged sharp words during the group stage. India’s camp, led by Suryakumar Yadav, captain, had vowed to keep the focus on cricket, yet insisted on a neutral hand‑over for any awards.

Meanwhile, the Asian Cricket Council was under pressure to balance diplomatic sensitivities with the tournament’s integrity. The council’s chairmanship, held concurrently by Naqvi, meant any misstep would echo far beyond the boundary ropes.

The final showdown and on‑field drama

India posted 254/7, thanks to an unbeaten 69 from Tilak Verma, who earned the man‑of‑the‑match award, and a decisive six by Rinku Singh that sealed the chase. Pakistan, anchored by a gritty 45 from Salman Ali Agha, fell short by 26 runs.

Attendance figures topped 45,000, and a live viewership of roughly 210 million tuned in worldwide – a testament to how the rivalry still captures global attention.

Post‑match ceremony turns chaotic

As the Indian side gathered for the podium, they made a single, unprecedented request: hand the trophy over to Khalid Al Zarooni, vice‑chairman of the Emirates Board, rather than Naqvi. The ACC refused, insisting Naqvi present the medals himself.

What followed was a one‑hour standoff. Indian fans erupted in chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” while the Pakistani bowlers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi endured a chorus of boos. Match referee Simon Doull announced that the runners‑up medals would be handed to Pakistan, but Naqvi stepped back, refusing to take part.

In a surprising twist, Aminul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, stepped onto the stage and presented the medals to the Pakistani side. When Naqvi tried to hand over the runner‑up cheque, Agha dramatically tossed it aside, a visual protest that quickly went viral on social media.

Doull later issued a terse statement: “I have been informed by the ACC that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight. So that concludes the post‑match presentation.” With the official ceremony halted, Naqvi and a handful of ACC officials slipped away, trophy in hand, heading toward their hotel.

Undeterred, Hardik Pandya seized the moment, snapping a celebratory selfie on the empty podium, followed by the rest of the Indian squad and coaching staff. Yadav mimicked the iconic Rohit Sharma celebration, turning what could have been a sour ending into an impromptu party.

Reactions from officials and political fallout

BCCI secretary Devajit Sakia confirmed that Naqvi had taken both the trophy and the medals back to his hotel room after the chaos. Sakia promised to raise the matter at the next ICC Board meeting, slated for the first week of November 2025.

India’s captain Yadav posted a photoshopped image of himself holding the Asia Cup on X, captioning it, “When the game is done only the champions will be remembered not the picture of a trophy.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi also chimed in, tweeting, “Operation synindur on the games field outcome is the same – India wins. Congrats to our cricketers.”

The incident has already sparked debates within the ICC about the need for clearer protocols when political disputes spill onto the field. Some analysts argue that the ACC’s dual‑role leadership structure – a single individual steering both the regional board and a national board – creates an inherent conflict of interest.

What this means for future tournaments

• Policy overhaul: The ICC is expected to draft stricter guidelines on award presentations, potentially mandating neutral officials for trophy hand‑overs.
• Security considerations: Host nations may need to bolster stadium security to prevent sudden stage‑intrusions.
• Diplomatic channels: Cricket boards are likely to establish a liaison committee to pre‑emptively address political grievances before they erupt publicly.

For fans, the takeaway is clear: the sport’s drama now extends beyond the boundary ropes. Whether this leads to reforms or more theatrics remains to be seen, but the 2025 Asia Cup final will be remembered as much for its political fallout as for the thrilling six that clinched the title.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did India refuse to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi?

India’s board argued that Naqvi’s dual role as PCB chairman and ACC president created a conflict of interest. They requested a neutral hand‑over by Emirates Board vice‑chairman Khalid Al Zarooni, a request the ACC rejected.

What was the reaction of the International Cricket Council?

The ICC announced it would discuss the incident at its November board meeting, with a focus on establishing neutral protocols for award ceremonies to avoid political interference.

How did Pakistani players respond to the boos?

Fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi kept their composure, but the team’s captain Salman Ali Agha later tossed the runner‑up cheque aside as a symbolic protest against the treatment they received.

Will India receive the trophy later?

BCCI has filed a formal complaint and is seeking a resolution at the ICC meeting. Until a decision is made, the physical trophy remains in the possession of Mohsin Naqvi.

Has anything like this happened in previous Asia Cups?

No. This is the first time a winning side has been denied the championship trophy due to a political dispute, making the 2025 final a historic, if contentious, milestone.