Dubai, UAE – India secured a dramatic and record-extending ninth Asia Cup title on Sunday, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by five wickets in a high-voltage final, only for the historic victory to be marred by an unprecedented political standoff during the post-match presentation ceremony.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced it will launch a “strong and serious” protest against Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, Mohsin Naqvi, at the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) conference in Dubai this November, after Naqvi allegedly walked away with the winner’s trophy and medals.
The Match: Tilak Varma Anchors Dramatic Chase
The thrilling contest at the Dubai International Stadium saw India overcome a massive batting collapse by Pakistan and a shaky start of their own to chase down a modest total.
Pakistan’s Innings: The Great Collapse Electing to bat, Pakistan built a strong platform with openers Sahibzada Farhan (57 off 38 balls) and Fakhar Zaman (46 off 35 balls) putting on a commanding 84-run stand. At 113/1 in 12.4 overs, Pakistan was on course for a total exceeding 180. However, the Indian spinners, led by a sensational spell from Kuldeep Yadav (4/30), triggered a spectacular and embarrassing collapse. Pakistan lost their last nine wickets for a mere 33 runs, eventually being bundled out for just 146 in 19.1 overs. Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel also chipped in with two wickets each, while Jasprit Bumrah applied the finishing touches at the death.
India’s Chase: Varma’s Maturity Shines India’s chase of 147 started in turmoil, reeling at 20/3 after losing Abhishek Sharma (5), Captain Suryakumar Yadav (1), and Shubman Gill (12). Stepping into the crisis, the 23-year-old Tilak Varma exhibited remarkable composure. He anchored the innings with a gritty, unbeaten 69 runs off 53 balls (three fours, four sixes). Varma built a crucial 57-run stand with Sanju Samson (24) and an aggressive 60-run partnership with Shivam Dube (33 off 22 balls) to steady the ship. Fittingly, it was late inclusion Rinku Singh (4)* who hit the winning boundary with two balls to spare, sealing India’s five-wicket victory and the record ninth Asia Cup.
Post-Match Standoff and Trophy Seizure
The drama, which had been brewing off-field throughout the tournament, exploded during the presentation ceremony, which was delayed for over 45 minutes:
- Refusal to Accept: The Indian team had made a “conscious decision” not to receive the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, citing his position as the Interior Minister of Pakistan and his perceived political posturing throughout the tournament. India had reportedly requested an alternative presenter, like Emirates Cricket Board Vice-Chairman Khalid Al Zarooni, but this was blocked.
- Trophy Taken Away: After a prolonged and awkward standoff, the post-match ceremony was cut short. Naqvi then allegedly ensured that the Asia Cup silverware and the winner’s medals were not handed over to the Indian team by anyone else. He was seen leaving the stadium premises with the trophy, prompting the Indian team to celebrate their victory on the podium with an “imaginary trophy,” a moment that has since gone viral.
- Salman Agha’s Gesture: Even the presentation of the runners-up cheque saw controversy, with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha reportedly throwing the cheque aside after receiving his medal.
BCCI’s Response: Calling Naqvi’s Act ‘Unsportsmanlike’
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia launched a scathing attack on Naqvi’s conduct, linking the on-field win to a larger narrative of national pride.
“We have decided not to accept the Asia Cup 2025 trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the main leaders of Pakistan. So we decided not to take it from him,” Saikia stated.
However, he strongly condemned the seizure of the trophy: “But that does not mean that the gentleman will take away the trophy with him along with the medals. It is extremely unfortunate and unsportsmanlike. We hope the trophy and medals will be returned to India as soon as possible.”
Saikia confirmed that the BCCI’s patience had run out with Naqvi’s actions—which included demanding the removal of Match Referee Andy Pycroft earlier in the tournament, threats of boycott, and sharing a controversial social media video mocking India by referencing the “jet-crash” gesture.
“There is an ICC conference scheduled in Dubai this November, and at that conference, we will launch a very serious and strong protest against the actions of the ACC chairperson,” Saikia concluded, setting the stage for a major administrative showdown in international cricket. The BCCI also announced a cash reward of ₹21 crore for the Indian squad and support staff for their unbeaten Asia Cup campaign.