The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) strongly condemned Pakistani Interior Minister and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi for taking the Asia Cup 2025 trophy and medals to his hotel after India’s dramatic five-wicket win against Pakistan in the final at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
India had refused to accept the trophy and medals from Naqvi, citing the ongoing military tensions between the two countries. The Men in Blue were reportedly willing to receive the awards from Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni and Bangladesh Cricket Board official Aminul Islam, but Naqvi insisted on presenting the trophy personally. Following India’s refusal, he allegedly removed the trophy and medals from the ceremony.
Reacting to the incident, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia called Naqvi’s actions “totally unexpected” and announced that India would lodge a formal protest. Saikia emphasized, “India cannot accept a trophy from a person representing a country engaged in conflict with us. Refusing the trophy was justified, but taking the trophy and medals to his hotel is unacceptable. We hope his good sense will prevail, and we are lodging a strong protest against this behavior.”
On the field, India secured their ninth Asia Cup title in a high-stakes encounter. Pakistan’s openers, Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman, stitched an 84-run partnership, giving Pakistan a strong start. At 113/1 in 12.4 overs, Pakistan seemed on course for a formidable total but collapsed spectacularly against India’s spinners, eventually being bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs.
India’s chase began shakily at 20/3, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, and Abhishek Sharma dismissed early. Crucial partnerships between Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson (57 runs) and later with Shivam Dube (56 runs) steadied the innings. Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 off 53 balls anchored India’s win, while Rinku Singh hit the decisive boundary to seal the five-wicket victory.