India’s Asia Cup 2025 triumph over Pakistan in Dubai concluded with bewildering scenes after captain Suryakumar Yadav publicly claimed that Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi disappeared with the trophy, following the Indian team’s refusal to accept it from him.
[Image: Suryakumar Yadav looks on amidst the drama]
Despite India securing a thrilling five-wicket victory in the final, thanks to Tilak Varma’s composed unbeaten half-century, the celebratory mood quickly turned sour as the presentation ceremony descended into disarray.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Suryakumar clarified the team’s collective decision to not receive the trophy from Naqvi, who also serves as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Pakistan’s interior minister.
“We weren’t hiding in the dressing room; we didn’t intentionally delay the ceremony. As I saw it, ‘Trophy leke bhaag gaye woh’ (They ran away with the trophy). Some people were recording us, but we were standing there, we didn’t go inside,” Surya explained, addressing the unusual incident.
Further controversy erupted when an online video showed an official swiftly removing the trophy after Naqvi’s departure from the stage. Reports indicated that Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni was initially slated to present the trophy, but this plan was reportedly obstructed by Naqvi.
Suryakumar also dismissed any speculation that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or the government had instructed the players to snub Naqvi. “Let me be clear, no one from the Government or the BCCI interfered or gave us any directions throughout the tournament. We made that decision ourselves on the ground. When some in the crowd started booing, we then witnessed their representative taking the trophy and running off,” he elaborated.
The presentation was further delayed by the late arrival of Pakistan’s players. Ultimately, only runners-up medals were distributed to the Pakistan team, while India was left to celebrate their ninth Asia Cup title without the physical trophy in hand.
Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board intends to file a formal complaint regarding Naqvi’s actions, describing the incident as “unprecedented and unacceptable.”
India’s memorable Asia Cup victory will unfortunately be remembered not just for the exciting cricket, but also for the shocking off-field drama that marred the final ceremony.