The Asia Cup 2025 ended with India defeating Pakistan in the Dubai final, but the cricket was quickly overshadowed by political drama. India chased down 147 in the final over to seal the title, yet the post-match scenes were anything but customary. The trophy presentation was delayed for more than an hour, and when it finally came time to hand over the silverware, Indian players stood firm in their stance that they would not accept the trophy from ACC president and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Naqvi had already drawn criticism during the tournament with politically charged remarks on social media, and India’s players made it clear they were unwilling to be part of his presentation. As a result, the ceremony turned into chaos. Pakistan did not receive their runner-up medals from Naqvi, India were denied their winners’ prize, and the trophy itself was taken away from the ground by ACC officials. Suryakumar Yadav’s side celebrated instead with an “imaginary trophy”.
Ali slams India for trophy boycott after Asia Cup final
Former Pakistan international Basit Ali has now sided with Naqvi, arguing that India’s refusal to take the trophy was beneath their stature. “They are the No. 1-ranked team, but their actions are third-rate. Mohsin Naqvi will present the trophy — if they refuse to accept, they would be disgraced in the eyes of the world. The trophy should not be handed over,” Ali said on Pakistan’s ARY News channel.
He went further, suggesting India’s stance set a poor precedent for global cricket. “You’re the No.1 team, you played well and won, but what is this stubbornness? Mohsin Naqvi is the head of the Asian Cricket Council. Suppose it had been an ICC event, and Pakistan refused to accept the trophy from Jay Shah, Pakistan would have been wrong there,” Ali remarked.
