Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Controversy: Suryakumar Yadav, Mohsin Naqvi & Pakistan Reactions
The Asia Cup 2025 ended in dramatic fashion, but the drama didn’t unfold on the cricket pitch alone. India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in a thrilling final, yet the celebrations were marred by a chaotic trophy presentation, stirring controversies and strong reactions from players and cricket administrators alike.
Suryakumar Yadav on the Trophy Incident
India captain Suryakumar Yadav recounted the bizarre events following the final in an interview with The Indian Express. He revealed that the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) officials, led by Mohsin Naqvi, effectively “ran away” with the Asia Cup trophy after the ceremony.
“We didn’t close the door and sit inside the dressing room. We didn’t make anyone wait for the presentation ceremony. Trophy leke bhaag gaye woh (They ran away with the trophy). That’s what I saw,” Suryakumar said.
He clarified that the Indian team’s decision not to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister and the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), was purely a team decision. Neither the BCCI nor the government instructed the players.
Mohsin Naqvi’s Role Sparks Controversy
According to reports, Naqvi insisted on personally presenting the trophy. However, India’s stance was clear: they would not accept the trophy from him due to political sensitivities and his controversial statements on social media. When India refused, Naqvi allegedly ensured that no one else could hand over the trophy either, leading to a 45-minute delay in the ceremony and a chaotic post-match scene.
Videos circulating on social media captured officials carrying the trophy away, while India’s players collected individual awards but ignored Naqvi entirely. Suryakumar and teammate Abhishek Sharma highlighted that their personal trophies and team awards remained with them in the dressing room, symbolizing their hard-fought victory.
The situation sparked widespread debate over sportsmanship, politics, and protocol in international cricket, particularly between India and Pakistan.
Look how they are running away with the Asia Cup trophy on Mohsin Naqvi’s instructions.🤡😭
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) September 29, 2025
Trophy chor 🤡 pic.twitter.com/heAVC2vkhQ
Tensions Between India and Pakistan During the Tournament
The Asia Cup had already been tense due to India-Pakistan political dynamics. India’s players refused to shake hands with Pakistani counterparts following the Pahalgam terror attack, and the Super 4s match featured sledging and provocative gestures from Pakistani pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf. Despite the distractions, India remained focused and completed the tournament undefeated.
The trophy standoff was seen as the final act of a tournament where non-cricketing developments dominated headlines. Many observers described the events as a “farcical” end to India’s otherwise stellar campaign.
Pakistan Reactions: Kamran Akmal’s Criticism
The controversy drew sharp criticism from former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal, who called the Indian team a “joke of world cricket.” Akmal urged the PCB to boycott future matches against India and suggested forming a neutral committee with officials from Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand to review the tournament’s incidents.
“This cheap harkatein (behavior) we shall keep seeing from India. We have seen in this tournament that they have done as much damage to cricket as they could. PCB and ACC president took the right stand – take the trophy or not, it will be given by the president only,” Akmal said.
The comments underscored the ongoing tensions between the two cricket boards and raised questions about the future of India-Pakistan cricket relations.
An Unforgettable Asia Cup 2025
While the cricketing performances were remarkable, the trophy controversy highlighted the complex intersection of sports and politics. India lifted the Asia Cup through skill, teamwork, and focus, yet the victory was overshadowed by off-field theatrics.
Suryakumar Yadav and his team have remained dignified, emphasizing that their trophies and achievements belong to their efforts, not ceremonial protocols. The Asia Cup 2025 will be remembered not just for India’s unbeaten run, but also for the drama, debates, and lessons it left on the international cricket stage.
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