India Decline to Accept Asia Cup Trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi
In an unprecedented move, the Indian cricket team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi after their five-wicket win over Pakistan in the final held in Dubai on Sunday night.
The post-match presentation ceremony was delayed by over an hour, sparking speculation over the reason behind the unusual holdup. Eventually, it was confirmed that the Indian side had declined to receive the trophy from Naqvi, who is also the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan's Interior Minister.
BCCI Responds
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the decision, stating,
“We have decided not to take the Asia Cup trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the main leaders of Pakistan. But that does not mean that the gentleman will take away the trophy with him, along with the medals. It is very unfortunate, and we hope that the trophy and the medals will be returned to India as soon as possible.”
Saikia also revealed that the BCCI will raise the matter formally at the upcoming ICC conference in November in Dubai, where a strong protest will be launched against Naqvi’s conduct.
Unusual Scenes at the Presentation
Although the match concluded around 10:30 PM local time, the presentation ceremony did not begin until nearly midnight. During this time, officials, including Naqvi, were seen in animated discussions on the field as the Indian players remained on the ground while the Pakistan team returned to the dressing room.
Eventually, the stage was set, but shortly before the ceremony commenced, an official removed the Asia Cup trophy from the dais without explanation.
During the ceremony, Indian players Kuldeep Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, and Tilak Varma received individual awards from other dignitaries, but notably avoided acknowledging Naqvi, who did not applaud the Indian recipients. Pakistan captain Salman Agha accepted the runners-up cheque from Naqvi and posed with him for photos.
Suryakumar Yadav Speaks Out
At the post-match press conference, India captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed disappointment and surprise at the situation.
“I think this is one thing which I have never seen since I started playing or following cricket — that a champion team is denied a trophy, that too a hard-earned one. I feel we deserved it. I can't say anything more. If you ask me about trophies, my trophies are sitting in the dressing room — the 14 players and the support staff — those are the real trophies for me.”
Suryakumar also confirmed the decision was collectively made by the team and not imposed by anyone externally.
Political and On-Field Tensions
India’s decision to boycott the trophy presentation from Naqvi comes amid heightened political tensions and on-field friction throughout the tournament. In all three matches between the two sides, Indian players reportedly avoided shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts — both at the toss and after the matches.
Verbal exchanges during games further strained relations. Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf were fined for separate incidents stemming from heated moments during the Super Fours stage.
Celebrating Without the Trophy
After the ceremony concluded and the dignitaries had departed, the Indian players climbed onto the podium and celebrated their victory — holding an imaginary trophy in the absence of the actual silverware.
Despite the controversy, India secured their ninth Asia Cup title, extending their dominant record in the tournament, particularly in chases against Pakistan, where they now boast a 9-0 record.