Dubai: Team India clinched the Asia Cup 2025 title on Sunday night, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by five wickets in a tense final at the Dubai International Stadium. However, the celebrations took an unusual turn when the Indian players refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chief and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The post-match presentation ceremony was delayed for more than an hour as the Indian team did not take the stage to collect the trophy. While the official ceremony eventually proceeded, players stayed away, leaving Naqvi to hand the trophy over without India’s presence. The decision by the Indian side sparked immediate attention, with visuals from the ground showing the players choosing to celebrate on their own terms.
In the absence of the trophy, the squad marked the moment by imitating skipper Rohit Sharma’s trademark celebratory style. Videos circulating on social media showed players laughing and recreating the gesture, underscoring a light-hearted yet defiant mood within the camp.
The dramatic refusal overshadowed India’s on-field performance, where disciplined batting and bowling sealed victory over Pakistan in front of a packed crowd. With this win, India extended its dominance in continental cricket, adding another Asia Cup to its tally.
Neither the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) nor the team management issued an official statement immediately after the incident.