Dubai — In an unprecedented moment in cricket history, India’s Asia Cup 2025 victory ended without a trophy presentation, after the team refused to accept the championship trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Trophy Ceremony Ends Without a Winner’s Presentation
Following India’s five-wicket win over Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the post-match award ceremony was delayed as players and officials gathered on the field. Despite repeated announcements, the Indian team declined to appear on stage to collect the trophy when informed that Mohsin Naqvi would present it.
According to reports, the decision was made at the behest of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which had earlier requested that the trophy be handed over by a neutral representative instead of Naqvi—who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister. Naqvi refused to deviate from international cricket protocol, under which the ACC president traditionally presents the trophy.
Individual Awards Only
While the team declined the main prize, Indian players Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube accepted their individual awards. Meanwhile, Mohsin Naqvi proceeded to present runner-up medals to Pakistani players as scheduled.
The Asia Cup trophy was briefly brought onto the ground but, after India’s continued refusal, it was taken back and the ceremony concluded without an official trophy handover—a first in major cricket tournaments.
Political Overtones and Reactions
Observers described the episode as a politically charged standoff, reflecting heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Cricket historians note that this is the first time a winning team has refused to accept a tournament trophy, calling it a troubling precedent for the spirit of the sport.
Fans and analysts criticized the move as an act of unsportsmanlike behavior, with many expressing disappointment that a hard-fought cricket tournament ended in such controversy rather than celebration.
Significance for Cricket Governance
The incident raises serious questions for the Asian Cricket Council, which may now need to review protocols to prevent political disputes from overshadowing future tournaments.
Despite the controversy, the Asia Cup 2025 was widely hailed as a logistical and sporting success, with Pakistan’s organizing committee and the ACC ensuring a high-quality event watched by millions worldwide.
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