India Forgoes Trophy Presentation After Asia Cup Victory

Following their triumph over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the Indian cricket team has faced criticism. The team chose not to receive the Asia Cup 2025 trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who is the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif voiced his disapproval on social media platform X, stating, “The Indian cricket team risks suspension for declining to accept the Asia Cup 2025 trophy and awards from the ACC Chairman. Such conduct would typically lead to immediate action in other sports.”

Latif expressed doubt regarding potential disciplinary measures, noting, “Given that key positions within the ICC—Chairman, CEO, CFO, Commercial Chief, and Head of Events and Communications—are held by Indians, suspension appears improbable.”

He described the situation as “a regrettable day for cricket,” accusing India of openly violating the principles of fair play and sportsmanship. He emphasized the need for greater accountability to maintain ethical standards in cricket.

During the closing ceremony, the Indian team refrained from collecting their winners’ medals or the Asia Cup trophy. This hesitation arose from a disagreement between the ACC and the Indian team, which reportedly objected to receiving the trophy from ACC President Naqvi, who also heads the PCB.

The ceremony, which included all eight participating teams, was delayed by an hour.

Individual awards were presented, with India’s Kuldeep Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Tilak Varma recognized for their performances in the final. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha received the prize for his team finishing as runners-up.

Subsequently, Kuldeep Yadav was named Best Bowler of the Tournament, while left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma was awarded Player of the Tournament.

Despite these presentations, the ceremony concluded without the winning team being presented with the trophy.

Presenter Simon Doull announced, “The ACC has informed me that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards this evening. This concludes the post-match presentation.”

Sources indicate that the delay resulted from India’s refusal to accept the trophy from Naqvi, allegedly due to instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Naqvi reportedly remained firm throughout the situation.

India secured the Asia Cup 2025 title with a five-wicket victory over Pakistan, marking their ninth continental victory.