The Asia Cup 2025 culminated in a storm of controversy as the Indian cricket team reportedly declined to receive their winners’ trophy from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Following India’s alleged boycott of the presentation ceremony, reports suggest that Naqvi departed with the trophy, leaving the triumphant Indian squad to celebrate their victory without the physical award.
This contentious decision by India has drawn strong condemnation from former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali, who openly supported the PCB Chairman’s actions while vehemently criticizing India’s stance to boycott the presentation.
The incident unfolded when Team India opted not to participate in the scheduled trophy presentation, where Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Chairman of the Asian Cricket Council, was slated to present the awards.
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“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 declared during an interview with Pakistan’s Arynews TV.
The presentation ceremony faced a delay exceeding an hour, and ultimately, Team India did not receive the trophy. Despite the incident, the team proceeded with their celebrations, seemingly unfazed by the absence of the physical award.
India’s captain later addressed the situation during a post-match press conference, highlighting the unprecedented nature of a winning team being denied its trophy. He stressed that the team’s status as deserving champions held more significance than the actual trophy itself.
“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,” Ali further commented.
The Asia Cup 2025 has been marred by several contentious incidents, both on and off the field, adding another chapter to the often-heated India-Pakistan cricketing narrative.