On Sunday, September 28, Team India continued their dominance in the shortest format of the game - T20Is, as they defeated arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final by five wickets at the Dubai International
Cricket Stadium in Dubai. With a win, India not only defending the Asia Cup champions title, but also got their hands on record ninth title.
While the match has its moments, the post-match presentation ceremony was also marred with several controversies. However, the Indian cricket team had informed of not receiving the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, their plea was rejected as the Chair took the centre stage. Not only this, the Pakistan cricket team was also in news as they delayed the proceeding by almost an hour.
BCCI to lodge official complaint with ICC over Mohsin Naqvi’s Asia Cup trophy antics
After India’s refusal to collect the trophy and the winners’ medals from Naqvi, who also holds the chair of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and is the Interior Minister of Pakistan, the latter walked away with the trophy and the medals. The same was confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia.
Speaking to ANI after India’s win, Saikia said, "So far as the trophy is concerned, trophy distribution, India cannot take the trophy from the person who is waging a war against our country.” "We have taken a decision not to accept the trophy but that does not allow the gentleman to take away the trophy and the medals to his hotel," he added, blasting at the ACC President.
"This is unexpected, very childish in nature and we will launch a very strong protest with ICC in the forthcoming ICC meeting to be held in Dubai in the first week of November," he further added. The BCCI board member also spoke on the team's decision to play the tournament despite massive criticism of engagement with Pakistan in the backdrop of Pahalgam terror attack, while adding that the Board has followed the policy set by the Indian government.
