The Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai turned into a dramatic night both on and off the field. While India secured a thrilling five-wicket win over Pakistan, post-match celebrations took a controversial turn after the trophy presentation did not go as expected.
India’s Suryakumar Yadav spoke out about the unusual incident, clarifying that the team did not delay the ceremony and instead witnessed ACC chief and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi leave the venue with the trophy.
The final clash was a nail-biting encounter, much like the previous two India vs Pakistan matches in the tournament. Rinku Singh’s decisive boundary sealed the win for India, sparking celebrations among players and fans. However, confusion followed when the presentation was delayed due to the late arrival of the Pakistan team. Reports suggested that Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni was expected to hand over the trophy, but events unfolded differently.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Suryakumar said: “We didn’t go inside or close the dressing room doors. We didn’t make anyone wait for the ceremony. What I saw was someone taking the trophy and leaving. People were filming us, but we were standing there. Trophy leke bhaag gaye woh (they ran away with the trophy).”
He firmly denied any direction from the BCCI or the Indian government, emphasizing that the players themselves decided not to accept the trophy under those circumstances. “No one told us not to take the trophy. It was our decision on the field. The ACC officials were on stage, we were below, and the discussions on stage were unclear. The crowd even began booing. Then we saw their representative taking the trophy away,” Yadav explained.
The matter has now escalated, with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirming that the board will file a formal complaint against Naqvi’s actions. The controversy has added yet another chapter to the intense India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, making this Asia Cup final one of the most talked-about in recent history.
