India Beat Pakistan to Win 9th Asia Cup Title
In the Asia Cup 2025 final, India defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Chasing 147 runs, India reached the target in 19.4 overs, thanks to Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 and Shivam Dube’s 33.
Trophy Ceremony Drama Overshadows India’s Victory
Despite the thrilling win, the post-match trophy ceremony grabbed more headlines. The Indian team refused to receive the Asia Cup trophy from ACC President and Pakistan’s Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Decision Was Pre-Planned by Team India
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia later confirmed that the players had already decided not to accept the trophy from Naqvi before the final.
One-Hour Delay in Presentation Ceremony
The prize distribution ceremony, which usually starts immediately after the final, was delayed by nearly an hour.
During the broadcast, Simon Doull, former New Zealand all-rounder, announced that ACC had informed him India would not come to the stage to collect the trophy.
Individual Awards But No Attention to Naqvi
-
Tilak Varma – Player of the Match
-
Abhishek Sharma – Player of the Tournament
-
Kuldeep Yadav – Most Valuable Player
All three Indian cricketers walked up to the stage for their awards but avoided acknowledging Mohsin Naqvi.
Trophy Taken to Dressing Room
According to reports from Reuters and PTI, organizers were confused about who would present the trophy. Eventually, the ceremony was stopped midway and the Asia Cup trophy was taken directly to the Indian dressing room instead of being handed over on stage.
Mohsin Naqvi Left Isolated
Reuters reported that Naqvi was the only dignitary on stage who did not clap for the Indian players. Interestingly, a day before the final, he had said:
“I am excited to witness a thrilling final and look forward to handing over the trophy to the winning team.”
India Celebrated in Their Own Way
Even without the on-stage trophy moment, Team India celebrated their victory in their own style on the field, marking another memorable India vs Pakistan clash.
