The Asia Cup 2025 ended in controversy despite India defeating Pakistan, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) voiced strong criticism against Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi. The uproar began when Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan Cricket Board chief and a minister in Pakistan, carried the Asia Cup trophy and medals back to his hotel instead of handing them over to the Indian team.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia condemned the move, calling it unsportsmanlike and unacceptable. According to Saikia, the Indian team had already decided not to accept the silverware directly from Naqvi due to his political stance and leadership ties with Pakistan. However, what shocked Indian officials was the ACC chief’s decision to take the trophy and medals with him after the ceremony.
Saikia made the BCCI’s position clear in his statement to ANI: “India is in conflict with Pakistan, and we cannot accept the trophy from someone who represents that country. But that does not give him the right to take away the Asia Cup trophy and medals that belong to India. His action is totally unexpected, and we will file a strong formal protest against this behaviour.”
The tension was further highlighted during the prize distribution ceremony when the Indian players refused the customary handshake with their Pakistani counterparts. The team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, kept their focus on celebrating the win but stood firm in their decision regarding the trophy handover.
Saikia added that BCCI would take the matter up with the ACC at the highest level, stressing that the trophies and medals must be returned to India immediately. He also called Naqvi’s act an embarrassment for international cricket, questioning the spirit of sportsmanship at such a prestigious event.
Meanwhile, on the field, Tilak Varma emerged as the hero of the match. The young batter anchored India’s run chase of 147 with a composed 69 off 53 balls, guiding the side through difficult phases as wickets fell around him. In the end, Rinku Singh sealed the victory with a boundary, ensuring India lifted the Asia Cup despite the ongoing trophy row.
The incident has cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory moment for Indian cricket. While the Men in Blue continue to enjoy their triumph over arch-rivals Pakistan, the BCCI’s protest against Mohsin Naqvi is expected to dominate headlines in the coming days.