The BRICS TimesIndia crushed Pakistan in the Asia Cup final but walked back trophy-less, as Mohsin Naqvi left the venue carrying the silverware.
India clinch record ninth Asia Cup title
Rinku Singh hit the decisive runs, sealing India’s emphatic victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final. With this win, India lifted the title for the ninth time, extending their dominance in the tournament’s history. But instead of a grand celebration, chaos unfolded. Just as fans expected the Indian team to hold the shining trophy, the night turned bizarre with an ugly twist.
As the clock ticked past midnight on September 29, there were no signs of the post-match presentation. Reports started surfacing, adding layers of confusion to what should have been a moment of pride.
Delay sparks rumours and frustration
Different stories began floating around. Some said the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi. Others suggested Pakistan’s squad was behind the delay.
Everything had appeared on track. Indian stars like Rinku, Shubman Gill, Kuldeep Yadav, and even bowling coach Morne Morkel shared their joy with broadcasters. Once their interviews ended, anchor Sanjana Ganesan joined Wasim Akram and Ravi Shastri in the studio for reviews. Naturally, fans assumed the trophy presentation would follow immediately. But they were in for a rude shock.
Indian players return empty-handed
What followed was both shocking and insulting. After waiting for over an hour, presenter Simon Doull finally announced that “the ACC has informed us that India will not be collecting their trophy tonight.”
To the disbelief of millions, the Indian team walked back to their hotel without the silverware. Reports later confirmed that Naqvi himself had left the stadium carrying the trophy, while India’s winning squad sat dejected on the podium. This disgraceful act marked one of the lowest points in the history of Indo-Pak cricketing rivalry.
How the drama escalated
Trouble started right after the final ended. While the Indian team and Naqvi were ready on stage, Pakistan’s players delayed their entry, staying inside their dressing room. Naqvi, seen busy on his phone, dragged the wait further.
When Salman Ali Agha finally walked out with Mike Hesson and the team manager, boos echoed around the stadium. Soon after, more Pakistan players followed, some casually strolling out in flip-flops, angering the crowd even more.
Naqvi himself was met with loud jeers and chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai.” Reports suggested India did not want him presenting the trophy. A compromise was reached that Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni would step in. But the script changed again. Pakistan collected their medals first, with Agha even throwing aside the runner-up cheque near Naqvi. When India’s turn came, Doull’s announcement sealed the farce—Naqvi had already walked out with the trophy.
Asia Cup 2025 – controversies overshadow cricket
This fiasco capped off an Asia Cup dominated by controversies. The tournament witnessed everything from cold handshakes to Pakistan’s mocking gestures, fueling bitterness between the two rivals.
Such hostility recalled past clashes—the 1999 World Cup shadowed by the Kargil conflict or the heated 2003 edition. Yet, this edition arguably saw the worst on-field and off-field tension. Instead of being remembered for India’s brilliant cricket, the Asia Cup 2025 will forever be marked by Mohsin Naqvi’s shameful trophy snub.
