Team India refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from ACC and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi.
The recently concluded Asia Cup 2025 saw India facing Pakistan on the cricket field for the first time since the heinous Pahalgam terror attack in April this year, which led to India launching Operation Sindoor on terrorist camps across the border.
The Men in Blue faced their arch-rivals three times in the continental event and emerged victorious on all occasions, including the final in Dubai last Sunday (September 28).
The major talking point from all three clashes was Team India’s decision to avoid shaking hands with the Pakistani players, who also engaged in provocative 'war' gestures.
After the final, the victorious Indian team refused to accept the trophy and medallions from the ACC and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who posted anti-India sentiments on social media throughout the tournament.
Infuriated by India’s stance, Naqvi took the trophy and winners’ medals to his hotel room in Dubai.
Reacting to the episode, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has expressed support for the PCB chairman's actions while criticising India's decision to boycott the presentation.
"They are the No. 1-ranked team, but their actions are third-rate. Mohsin Naqvi will present the trophy -- if they refuse to accept, they would be disgraced in the eyes of the world. The trophy should not be handed over," Ali told ARY News.
"You're the No.1 team, you played well and won, but what is this stubbornness? Mohsin Naqvi is the head of the Asian Cricket Council. Suppose it had been an ICC event, and Pakistan refused to accept the trophy from Jay Shah, Pakistan would have been wrong there," he added.
The ceremony began after an extended delay, during which only individual award winners were recognised. Despite India's refusal to accept the trophy from him, Naqvi remained on stage, and the silverware was never handed over.
Suryakumar Yadav-led side was prepared to receive the trophy from Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni, who was also present on the dais, but Naqvi did not allow this.
However, it didn’t stop the champion team to rejoice the title win. Several videos emerged on social media showed Suryakumar celebrating with a mock ceremony along with his teammates.
In the post-match presser, India skipper Suryakumar addressed the trophy controversy, saying: "This is one thing which I have never seen since I have started playing cricket, since I have started following cricket, that a champion team is denied a trophy. That too a hard-earned one, it's not like we got it easily. It was a hard-earned tournament. We were here since the 4th, played two back-to-back good games. I feel we deserved it. I can't say anything more, I think I have summed it up really well, I can't say anything more about it."
He went on to add, "If you tell me about the trophies, my trophies are sitting in the dressing room, all the 14 guys, all the support staff - those are the real trophies who I have been a big fan of throughout this journey of the Asia Cup. Those are the real trophies, the real moments which I am taking back as lovely memories and which will stay forever."