Why Team India Refused to Accept the Asia Cup 2025 Trophy from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi

Sep 29, 2025

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The Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai was historic for many reasons. India emerged victorious against Pakistan and lifted the prestigious title once again. However, what caught the attention of fans across the world was not just the match result but the post-match controversy — the Indian cricket team refused to accept the trophy and winner’s medals from Mohsin Naqvi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President.

This bold decision by Team India created headlines worldwide, sparking debates about the intersection of sports, politics, and diplomacy. In this article, we break down the entire controversy, the reasons behind the refusal, reactions from different stakeholders, and what it means for the future of cricket.

What Happened During the Presentation Ceremony

India defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final.
During the post-match presentation, Mohsin Naqvi was scheduled to hand over the winner’s trophy and medals to Team India.
Indian players refused to step onto the dais to receive the award from him.
While individual awards like Player of the Match and Best Bowler were collected, players avoided direct interaction with Naqvi.
The official trophy presentation was left incomplete, creating an unprecedented situation in Asian cricket history.

Key Reasons Behind India’s Refusal

India’s decision was not sudden; it was influenced by a series of symbolic, political, and cricketing developments.

Reason	Explanation
Handshake Controversy	In a group stage clash earlier in the tournament, India’s captain avoided shaking hands with Pakistan’s skipper, signaling an ongoing diplomatic protest.
Political Tensions	With strained relations between the two countries, sporting interactions often become platforms for symbolic gestures.
Advance Stand Taken	Reports suggest Indian players and management had already decided they would not accept the trophy from Naqvi.
Symbolic Gesture	By refusing the trophy, Team India intended to convey a strong stance that extended beyond cricket.
Respect for Sentiments	The Indian side wanted to align with national sentiment, reflecting the broader mood in the country.

How the Ceremony Played Out

The refusal disrupted the traditional victory celebrations. Instead of jubilant photos of the winning team holding the trophy, the event ended in confusion.

The ceremony was delayed due to India’s stance.
The trophy was displayed but not handed to the Indian captain in the customary manner.
Post-match visuals showed the Indian team celebrating separately, without the official trophy handover.

Reactions from Different Stakeholders

The incident triggered a wave of reactions from cricket boards, political leaders, and fans worldwide.

Stakeholder	Reaction
BCCI & Indian Camp	Defended the decision as necessary, stating it was consistent with the team’s earlier stand.
PCB & Pakistani Media	Criticized India’s refusal, calling it against the spirit of cricket.
International Media	Described the moment as a rare mix of sports and politics overshadowing the game.
Fans Worldwide	Social media exploded with divided opinions — some praising India’s stance, others calling it disrespectful.

Why This Incident Matters

This refusal is not just a minor controversy; it sets an important precedent in cricket administration and sports diplomacy.

Cricket Beyond Sports: It highlights how cricket, especially India vs Pakistan matches, carries weight far beyond the playing field.
Protocol Questions: It raises concerns about how trophies should be presented in politically sensitive matches.
Future Implications: Boards and governing bodies like ACC and ICC may now revisit their policies on ceremonial duties.
Symbolism: For India, this was not about defying cricket norms but about maintaining dignity in line with national sentiment.

Lessons for the Future of Cricket

Neutrality in Ceremonies: Future tournaments may choose neutral dignitaries for presentations to avoid conflicts.
Balancing Sports and Politics: Cricket boards need to strike a balance where the game is celebrated while respecting political realities.
Image of Cricket: Incidents like this remind us that cricket is more than just bat and ball; it is also about diplomacy, image, and national identity.

Conclusion

The Asia Cup 2025 final will be remembered not only for India’s on-field brilliance but also for the historic refusal to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi. While critics call it a breach of cricketing tradition, supporters view it as a powerful symbolic gesture. Whatever the perspective, this incident underlines the undeniable truth — in the subcontinent, cricket is not just a game, it is an extension of national pride and politics.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It reflects publicly available details and interpretations of events related to the Asia Cup 2025 final. It does not intend to promote any political bias or viewpoint.

About the author

I’m Himanshu Dhar, a dedicated MIS trainer proudly associated with I Turn Institute. My journey in the realm of data management and automation spans over 14 enriching years. My passion for this field extends to freelancing projects, where I bring real-world practicality into my teaching. My impact in education is marked by the success of over 25,000 students I’ve had the privilege of mentoring, hailing from diverse backgrounds. Beyond the classroom, I’ve had the honor of conducting corporate training sessions and seminars, catering to the unique needs of businesses. Let’s unlock your potential together in the realm of data analysis and automation.