India Wins Thrilling Asia Cup Final, But Trophy Presentation Erupts in Political Drama
Team India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, secured a dramatic victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final, successfully chasing a 147-run target with just two balls to spare. The gripping win, which clinched India’s ninth Asia Cup crown, was instantly overshadowed by a highly unusual off-field controversy when the team was not awarded the trophy.
The Trophy Refusal
The drama centered around the refusal of the Indian players to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who serves as both the chief of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
This decision, coming amidst already heightened political tensions between the two nations, triggered chaos inside the Dubai International Stadium. The post-match presentation was significantly delayed, as Pakistani players also remained in their dressing room. Ultimately, the trophy was not presented at all; ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi reportedly left the stadium with the silverware, leaving the victorious Team India to celebrate empty-handed.
Rising Tensions and Scrapped Photo-Ops
The final act of defiance followed several days of rising tensions.
The traditional pre-final photo shoot featuring the trophy was scrapped after India captain Suryakumar Yadav declined to pose alongside Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha and Mohsin Naqvi.
The tournament, which took place just months after the Pahalgam terror attack, saw India’s players refuse to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts during the group stage and Super Fours encounters.
This 41st edition of the Asia Cup, culminating in its first-ever India-Pakistan final, is now cemented as the most politically charged in the tournament’s history.
On-Field Triumph
Despite the off-field theatrics, India’s performance on the field was a stunning display of dominance. Pakistan appeared set for a large total at 113/1 in the 13th over, but the innings imploded spectacularly. They lost nine wickets for just 33 runs, being bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs.
Spin wizard Kuldeep Yadav was the architect of the collapse, taking four wickets, including a devastating three-wicket haul in a single over. Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy each contributed with two wickets, setting the stage for India’s dramatic, and ultimately trophy-less, victory lap.