Indian refuse to accept Asia Cup trophy from PCB/ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi: Reports

September 29, 2025

Dubai: In a dramatic post-match turn of events, Indian cricketers allegedly declined to receive the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who serves as both Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Chief of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

The presentation ceremony, normally a formal conclusion to the final, was delayed for nearly an hour as both teams awaited clarity on who would hand over the trophy.  According to reports, the Indian side opted against accepting the trophy from Naqvi, prompting organizers to arrange for a representative from the Emirates Cricket Board to step in.

The refusal comes amid longstanding political tensions between India and Pakistan, which have begun to spill into the cricketing arena. Speculation had circulated ahead of the final that India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, might refuse the presentation if the title was won.  Indian media sources have also highlighted that the team was adhering to its policy of avoiding handshake or engagement with Pakistani officials.

The final itself saw India clinch victory over Pakistan by five wickets in a tense contest held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.  Earlier in the match, players on both sides had avoided traditional pre- and post- match handshakes, reportedly at the direction of match officials given the heightened climate.

Despite holding the formal authority as ACC Chief to present the trophy, Naqvi was sidelined from performing that role.  The incident adds another layer to the mounting controversy over the blending of sports and geopolitics in this edition of the Asia Cup.