Asia Cup 2025: Trophy Controversy Marks Historic India-Pakistan Final Amid Geopolitical Tensions

The 2025 Asia Cup Final: India vs. Pakistan

The 2025 edition of the Asia Cup culminated in a final between India and Pakistan on 28 September 2025, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Times Of Sports+3Wikipedia+3Business Standard+3 This matchup was especially noteworthy, as it was the first time India and Pakistan faced each other in an Asia Cup final. Wikipedia+2Business Standard+2

India emerged victorious by 5 wickets, chasing down Pakistan’s 146 in 19.4 overs. Wikipedia+2Business Standard+2 Tilak Varma was adjudged Man of the Match for his unbeaten 69. Wikipedia

That victory marked India’s ninth Asia Cup title, further cementing their historical dominance in this tournament. Business Standard+2Business Standard+2

The Trophy Controversy Involving Mohsin Naqvi

While the cricket on the field was dramatic, the post-match events overshadowed much of what transpired. A tense and unprecedented controversy erupted around the handing over of the trophy and medals — centering on Mohsin Naqvi.

India’s Refusal to Accept the Trophy

• Immediately during the presentation ceremony, the Indian team refused to accept the trophy and winners’ medals from Mohsin Naqvi, citing his positions and political associations. NDTV Sports+4Business Standard+4Times Of Sports+4

• BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia later stated:

  “We have decided not to take the trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the main leaders of Pakistan … That does not mean the gentleman will take away the trophy and the medals … It is very unfortunate, and we expect them to be returned to India as soon as possible.” Business Standard+2NDTV Sports+2

• The Indian side had indicated that they would accept the trophy if it were presented by an alternate official (for example, the vice-chair of Emirates Cricket Board), but Mohsin Naqvi reportedly declined to allow that. Times Of Sports+3NDTV Sports+3NDTV Sports+3

Naqvi’s Actions and Further Developments

• In a dramatic escalation, Naqvi reportedly took the trophy and medals to his hotel when India declined to receive them at the presentation stand. NDTV Sports+3Business Standard+3NDTV Sports+3
• Later, there were media reports that he was willing to hand the trophy to India — but only under a condition that a formal presentation ceremony be arranged in which he would personally hand it over. NDTV Sports+1
• The BCCI has threatened to raise a formal protest with the ICC about this behavior at the upcoming ICC meeting in November. Business Standard+2NDTV Sports+2
• During an ACC meeting held in Dubai subsequently, tensions flared as BCCI representatives demanded that the trophy and medals be transferred to India. Reports suggest Naqvi avoided committing, which added to the discord. The Times of India+1
• Prominent voices have criticized Naqvi’s handling of the issue. Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi publicly called on him to step down, stating that he admitted to having little cricket knowledge. The Times of India Other critics, including Imran Khan, compared Naqvi’s role in cricket to perceived mismanagement. The Times of India

What This Episode Signifies

This controversial episode surrounding the Asia Cup trophy is significant for several reasons:

1. Interplay of Sport and Geopolitics
   The refusal to accept the trophy underscores how political tensions between nations can seep into the realm of sport, especially when individuals hold roles in both. The boundaries between sportsmanship and national sentiment become blurred in such high-stakes contexts.
2. Authority in Cricket Governance
   As ACC President and PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi holds substantial influence in Asian cricket administration. That makes his actions — whether procedural or symbolic — carry more weight and scrutiny.
3. Precedent in Trophy Handover Norms
   It’s rare for a tournament-winning team to refuse the trophy itself. This sets a challenging precedent: could future tournaments see such standoffs over who presents and who receives? The ACC and ICC will likely have to review protocols and governance safeguards.
4. Public Perception and Reputation
   Naqvi’s decision to remove the trophy while the Indian team abstained from the formal presentation has been perceived by many as unsporting or provocative. The optics matter, especially in a game that thrives on fair play and symbolic rituals.
5. Potential Institutional Consequences
   BCCI’s looming protest, possible ACC internal conflict, and ICC oversight all raise the possibility of sanctions, rule changes, or shifts in leadership at the continental level.

Looking Ahead: What Might Happen Next

• The ICC meeting in November could become a stage for India to seek formal redress or sanctions regarding the trophy.
• The ACC might need to revise regulations concerning trophy handover, neutrality of presenters, or contingency procedures if a team refuses.
• Mohsin Naqvi’s standing in regional cricket administration may come under serious pressure, especially if criticism continues to mount.
• Regardless of formal actions, this event will be etched in cricket memory — not merely as India’s Asia Cup win, but as a moment when the ceremonial heart of the game was upended by off-field tensions.

The Asia Cup Trophy: History and Significance

The Asia Cup is a premier cricket tournament in Asia, run under the aegis of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). First held in 1984, its goal has been to foster competition among Asian cricketing nations and to promote the game on the continent. Over the years, the tournament has been staged in different formats (ODI, T20) depending on the ICC calendar.

The Asia Cup trophy itself is symbolic — it represents continental supremacy, pride, and the legacy of cricketing excellence in Asia. For participating teams, lifting the trophy is not just a sporting achievement but also a matter of national pride.
India is the most successful team in the history of the Asia Cup, having claimed it nine times (1984, 1988, 1990–91, 1995, 2010, 2016, 2018, 2023, 2025). NDTV Sports+3Business Standard+3Business Standard+3 Sri Lanka and Pakistan have also won multiple times, while Bangladesh and Afghanistan continue striving for their first title. Business Standard

Mohsin Naqvi: Who He Is

Mohsin Naqvi is a prominent (and controversial) figure in Pakistani politics, media, and recently, cricket administration.

• He is the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), having assumed that role in February 2024. NDTV Sports+3Business Standard+3NDTV Sports+3
• He also holds the position of President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), elected in April 2025. NDTV Sports+3Business Standard+3NDTV Sports+3
• Politically, he has served as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and holds influence in national administration. Business Standard+1

As a result of his dual role — both as cricket administrator and political leader — his involvement in cricket ceremonies carries extra significance, especially when cross-border sensitivities are involved.