The 2025 Asia Cup final, a hotly contested match between India and Pakistan, concluded amidst significant controversy. The Indian cricket team notably refused to accept the winner’s trophy from ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who holds dual roles as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and PCB chief. This bold stance meant the Men in Blue, despite their historic victory, left Pakistan facing the awkward reality of an unpresented trophy and an empty-handed finale.
The Indian team still awaits the Asia Cup trophy, despite their decisive victory against Pakistan in the final match.
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Indian all-rounder Rahul Tewatia weighed in on the issue, asserting that the team’s focus remained solely on their triumphant performance, not the physical trophy. “From what we understand, the trophy was not presented to us,” Tewatia explained to ANI. “Our players and management waited, only to learn the trophy had been withdrawn. The team was kept waiting for a considerable period before it was ultimately taken back. We came to play cricket, we won the final, and in the annals of history, the victor is recorded regardless of whether a trophy was formally awarded or not.”
Tewatia further clarified India’s position, stating it wasn’t their problem to solve. “They chose not to give us the trophy, and that’s their concern. India emerged victorious in the final, and the Pakistani team certainly hasn’t won it by merely reclaiming the award,” he declared emphatically.
Adding to the contentious atmosphere, the Indian squad had consistently avoided handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts throughout the tournament, spanning the group stage and Super Fours. This decision stemmed from deeply strained relations in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. Tensions were palpable even at the final’s toss, where neither India captain Suryakumar Yadav nor Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha extended a hand.
Regarding the choice to forgo the customary post-match handshake, Tewatia emphasized, “This was a collective decision by the team and management. As Indians, it’s our duty to stand by that choice, irrespective of the situation. Their judgment was undoubtedly the best course of action at the time.”
The controversy escalated further following an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting, where BCCI officials voiced strong dissatisfaction with Mohsin Naqvi’s conduct regarding the trophy presentation. Reports indicated that Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Indonesia backed India’s position, while Naqvi maintained that the trophy required personal collection by the winning team.
The intense India-Pakistan rivalry is set to reignite in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. The Indian women’s team, under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, holds an impressive 11-0 undefeated record against Pakistan in One Day Internationals. As the Women in Blue prepare to face Pakistan this Sunday at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, they are expected to mirror their male counterparts’ stance by refraining from handshakes with their rivals.
This ongoing saga has sparked widespread debate, particularly concerning the diplomatic implications of India’s stance.