Mohsin Naqvi Faces Controversy Over Asia Cup Trophy Presentation

The Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai, where India defeated Pakistan by five wickets, should have been a celebration of cricketing excellence. Instead, it turned into one of the most controversial trophy ceremonies in the tournament’s history. The spotlight shifted away from India’s ninth Asia Cup triumph and landed squarely on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi.

India’s Refusal to Accept the Trophy

Despite a thrilling win, the Indian players refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy and winners’ medals from Mohsin Naqvi. According to ESPNcricinfo and Reuters, the players declined to walk onto the presentation stage when it became clear that Naqvi would personally hand over the silverware.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) later clarified that the refusal was not about the tournament itself but about Naqvi’s political and social conduct. Reports from The Indian Express highlighted that provocative social media posts reshared by Naqvi, combined with his role as a Pakistani minister, made it “impossible” for Indian cricketers to accept the trophy from him.

Trophy Drama in Dubai

As reported by Times of India, chaos unfolded when Naqvi walked off with the trophy after India’s refusal, leading to heated scenes backstage. Eye-witness accounts described him “taking the trophy to his hotel room,” prompting the BCCI to issue a strong protest and demand accountability.

Mathrubhumi English quoted a senior BCCI official saying, “Naqvi literally ran away with the trophy. We have never seen anything like this in world cricket.”

India Celebrates Without the Trophy

While the official trophy ceremony fell apart, India turned the situation around by celebrating symbolically. Sportstar reported that the players posed with an “imaginary trophy” on stage, cheered by fans. Social media quickly exploded with photoshopped images of Suryakumar Yadav and his team holding the Asia Cup, turning a political snub into a moment of unity and defiance.

India Today shared videos of the team celebrating empty-handed, with Suryakumar remarking, “My team is my trophy.” His statement drew widespread praise, underlining the sentiment that glory lies in performance, not in silverware.

BCCI’s Strong Response

The BCCI lodged an official protest against Naqvi. Tribune India quoted BCCI secretary saying, “We cannot accept a trophy from a person who represents a country that is waging war against us.”

Further, Business Today reported that the BCCI has demanded PCB return the trophy and medals, hinting at the possibility of pushing for Naqvi’s removal as ACC chief.

Pakistan’s Reaction – Agha Salman’s Meltdown

The controversy wasn’t one-sided. Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha, already frustrated after his team’s loss, sparked further uproar by throwing away the runners-up cheque on stage, as captured by NDTV Sports and Moneycontrol. His actions were met with boos from the Dubai crowd, intensifying the drama.

Suryakumar Yadav’s Army Gesture

Amidst the chaos, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav won hearts by announcing he would donate his match fees to the Indian Army and to families of victims in Pahalgam, as reported by The Economic Times and Financial Express. His dignified response contrasted sharply with the ugly scenes around Naqvi.

Cricket Meets Politics – The Larger Picture

The episode has once again underlined how politics continues to spill into cricketing arenas between India and Pakistan. Dawn and Al Jazeera noted that India’s boycott of Naqvi was a direct reflection of diplomatic hostilities.

While The Hindu and Greater Kashmir confirmed BCCI will push for Naqvi’s ouster from ACC, the controversy has already overshadowed what should have been remembered as a classic final.

Social Media Storm

Fans, former cricketers, and even IPL franchises joined the conversation:

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted celebratory tweets hailing India as “Continental Champions.”

• Punjab Kings invoked nostalgia by recalling India’s 2018 Asia Cup win, wishing for a repeat—fulfilled on the night, though without the trophy on stage.

• Netizens trolled Naqvi and even Pakistani players like Haris Rauf, with Zee News reporting comments such as, “Fool your public like your generals.”

Conclusion – A Final That Will Be Remembered for the Wrong Reasons

India’s victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final was historic, but the post-match events ensured that cricket was not the only talking point. From Mohsin Naqvi’s trophy snub to Suryakumar Yadav’s heartfelt donation, the final blended sport, politics, and human gesture in equal measure.

The BCCI has vowed to escalate matters with the ACC, while Indian fans continue to celebrate their ninth Asia Cup triumph—trophy or no trophy.

What remains clear is this: champions may be remembered for their victories, but controversies like these will linger in cricket’s history books for years to come.