Trophy Refusal Sparks Cricket Scandal: India Rejects Asia Cup Win from Pakistani ACC Chief

The Asia Cup 2025 ended not with a handshake, but with a bizarre diplomatic standoff after the victorious Indian cricket team refused to accept the champion’s trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi.

The tension, rooted in the ongoing political fallout between India and Pakistan, saw the trophy presentation delayed for almost an hour following India's five-wicket win in the final against Pakistan. The Indian side, led by Suryakumar Yadav, made it clear they would not receive the silverware or any form of greeting from Naqvi, who holds the dual roles of ACC President and Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), as well as being Pakistan’s Interior Minister.

Though players receiving individual awards, like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, collected their prizes, the main ceremony concluded prematurely. Naqvi was subsequently seen leaving the Dubai International Stadium with the trophy still in his possession, while the Indian team celebrated their victory without it.

"Third-Rate Actions" and a Diplomatic Row

The incident drew immediate and harsh criticism from former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali. He publicly stated that while India was the "No. 1-ranked team," their refusal amounted to "third-rate actions." Ali urged Naqvi, as the head of the ACC, not to surrender the trophy if India continued to be so resistant, arguing that the whole world would witness their disgrace.

Ali also emphasized the poor precedent this set, noting that the principle would apply even if roles were reversed: "Suppose it had been an ICC event, and Pakistan refused to accept the trophy from Jay Shah, Pakistan would have been wrong there," he said, highlighting the unnecessary stubbornness shown by the champions.

The controversy continued this week in an ACC meeting, where BCCI representatives reportedly clashed with Naqvi. When asked to return or deliver the trophy to the ACC headquarters, the PCB Chairman reportedly deflected the issue. He later cemented his position on social media, clarifying that Captain Suryakumar Yadav must come to the ACC headquarters and accept the trophy from him personally if India wants to complete the presentation.

This public friction mirrored events during the tournament, where Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts—a reflection of the extreme political strain following the Pahalgam terror attack and India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor.