India refuse to accept Asia Cup 2025 trophy: Here's why
What's the story
An hour after beating Pakistan in the 2025 Men's T20 Asia Cup final, Team India reportedly refused to accept the trophy at the post-match presentation. The coveted trophy was set to be presented by Mohsin Naqvi, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman. Notably, Naqvi also serves as Pakistan's Interior Minister and the head of their cricket board. However, Indian players maintained a strict 'no handshake, no off-field engagement' policy with anyone representing Pakistan.
Diplomatic rift
Political tensions continue to mount
The Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, refused to accept the trophy amid the political tensions between the two countries. Despite their on-field success, these off-field tensions remain a major hurdle in bilateral relations between the two nations. The Indian team had already hinted at a refusal to accept the trophy from Naqvi by not shaking hands with Pakistani players during three Asia Cup matches or participating in pre-toss photoshoots.
Aftermath
The aftermath!
The Asia Cup post-final presentation was delayed by an hour. According to Cricbuzz, Mohsin Naqvi and the Indian players were already present on the ground, but the Pakistan players didn't come out of their dressing room. Notably, Naqvi had an "animated" phone call while standing on the stage. The presentation finally started, with India's Tilak Varma receiving the player-of-the-match award. Pakistan skipper Salman Agha gave the post-match interview before the runners-up received their individual medals.
Information
India refrain from collecting trophy
After India's Abhishek Sharma was adjudged the Player of the Tournament, presenter Simon Doull informed that the "Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight." Indian captain Suryakumar refrained from the post-match interview as Team India posed sans the medals and trophy.
Match summary
India beat Pakistan in thrilling final
Earlier, India won their ninth Asia Cup title with a five-wicket win over Pakistan in a thrilling final in Dubai. Despite an early top-order, India managed to chase down 147 in the final over. Their fightback was led by Tilak, who hammered an unbeaten 69 off 53 balls. Rinku Singh smashed the winning four in a tense finish. Earlier, the Kuldeep Yadav-led spin attack triggered Pakistan's batting collapse. Kuldeep took four wickets as Pakistan perished without playing 20 overs.
Asia Cup
Asia Cup: India-Pakistan matches
India and Pakistan clashed thrice in the 2025 T20 Asia Cup, with the former sealing all three encounters. The iconic cricketing rivalry endured the heat, ranging from boycott calls to on-field verbal volleys and the subsequent complaints lodged by the two boards. The two countries have been at loggerheads since the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack in April this year. While India responded by launching Operation Sindoor, Pakistan retaliated with drone attacks.