A dramatic post match controversy marred India’s thrilling victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final as the Indian cricket team refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The refusal caused a significant delay in the post match presentation ceremony at Dubai International Stadium, with Pakistani players also staying in their dressing room, adding to the confusion. The Indian team had earlier declined to participate in the traditional pre-final photo shoot with the trophy alongside Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha and Naqvi, citing heightened tensions following recent political and security events.
This year’s Asia Cup, played just months after the Pahalgam terror attack, has been the most politically charged in the tournament’s 41-year history. Incidents during the group stage and Super Fours, including India refusing handshakes with Pakistani players, set the stage for a tense final.
On the field, India secured their ninth Asia Cup title with a five-wicket win. Pakistan, after a strong start of 113/1, collapsed spectacularly against India’s spinners, losing nine wickets for just 33 runs and being bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs. Kuldeep Yadav starred with four wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy claimed two wickets each.
Chasing a modest total, India faced early setbacks at 20/3, but Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 off 51 balls, combined with key partnerships with Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube, turned the game around. Rinku Singh sealed the victory with a boundary off the final ball, completing a memorable win for India amid off-field controversies.