India defeated Pakistan by five wickets to win the Asia Cup 2025 final, but the post-match spotlight quickly shifted to a new off-field controversy involving the trophy presentation.
The Indian cricket team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
According to officials, Indian representatives pushed for alternative arrangements, but Naqvi stood firm, insisting he would personally hand over the trophy.
The presentation ceremony concluded abruptly, with the trophy later sent to the ACC office instead of being presented to the winning team.
On the field, India’s chase of 147 was steered by Tilak Varma’s brilliant unbeaten 69 off 53 balls. His composed innings, including four sixes and three fours, guided India to victory with just two balls remaining.
READ: Tilak Varma’s composed knock seals India’s Asia Cup glory
Pakistan’s pacers provided an explosive start, with Faheem Ashraf dismissing Abhishek Sharma for 5 and Shubman Gill for 12, while Shaheen Afridi removed Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav for 1. India was left reeling at 20 for 3 in just four overs.
Sanju Samson offered resistance with a quick 24, forming a crucial 57-run partnership with Varma before falling to Abrar Ahmed in the 13th over. Shivam Dube’s counterattacking 33 off 22 balls added further stability, and his 60-run stand with Varma proved decisive.
Despite losing wickets at intervals, India kept composure as Varma reached his fifty in 40 balls and carried his side to victory in 19.4 overs, sealing their Asia Cup triumph in Dubai.
The result gave India their much-awaited Asia Cup title, but the refusal to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi ensured the post-match discussions were dominated as much by politics as cricket.
