The BRICS TimesAsia Cup drama unfolded in Dubai as Team India declined to collect the winners’ trophy from ACC chief and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Presentation Ceremony Ends in Chaos
The Asia Cup 2025 presentation ceremony in Dubai ended in complete disarray as Team India stood firm on its stance. The players refused to collect the trophy from Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board. Naqvi, who walked on stage amid loud boos from the crowd, faced chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” as Indian supporters expressed their displeasure.
Delay Caused by Pakistan Team
The drama began after Pakistan players refused to leave the dressing room for nearly an hour following their narrow defeat. Naqvi, visibly frustrated, was seen making multiple phone calls while waiting near the stage. The delay tested the patience of the Indian team and the fans, who continued booing as the Pakistani side finally walked out—some still wearing casual footwear.
India’s Firm Stand Against Naqvi
According to a PTI report, the Indian team had decided weeks earlier not to share the presentation stage with Naqvi. The call was made after tensions escalated in the group-stage match where a no-handshake controversy drew strong criticism from the PCB chief. India made it clear that if they lifted the Asia Cup, they would not accept the trophy from him.
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Player Awards Handed Out
Despite the chaos, individual awards were still presented. Tilak Varma was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 69 off 53 balls. Kuldeep Yadav, who grabbed four wickets, and Shivam Dube, who scored 33 from 21 balls, also collected their prizes. Abhishek Sharma was later declared Player of the Tournament for his outstanding run throughout the Asia Cup.
Ceremony Abruptly Cut Short
When broadcaster Simon Doull tried to continue with the presentation, the situation escalated further. Just as everyone expected India to be called for the trophy lift, Doull announced that the champions would not collect their award. “Ladies and gentlemen, I have been informed by the Asian Cricket Council that the Indian team will not be collecting their awards tonight. So that does conclude the post-match presentation,” Doull said before leaving the stage.
Trophy Quietly Taken Away
Reports suggest the Indian management had already asked who would present the trophy, and once Naqvi’s name came up, they decided against accepting it. As tensions rose, an organiser discreetly carried the trophy into the Indian dressing room, away from the public eye.
