‘They are No. 1, but their actions are third-rate’ - Ex-Pakistan cricketer slams India over Asia Cup 2025 trophy fiasco

The Asia Cup 2025 concluded amid controversy as India refused to receive their winners’ trophy from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Following India’s boycott of the presentation ceremony, Naqvi left with the trophy, forcing the Indian team to celebrate their victory without it.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali voiced support for the PCB Chairman’s actions, while criticising India’s decision to skip the ceremony. The incident occurred when Team India chose not to participate in the scheduled trophy presentation,

where Naqvi was to present the awards. The boycott has once again highlighted the political tensions between the two cricketing nations, casting a shadow over what should have been a celebratory moment for the winning team.

"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 told Pakistan's Arynews TV.

India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav addressed the situation during the post-match press conference, calling it unprecedented for a winning team to be denied their trophy. He emphasised that being the deserving champions mattered more to the team than the physical trophy, highlighting the players’ focus on their achievement rather than the controversy.

"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 added.

The Asia Cup 2025 has been marred by several controversies, both on and off the field. Earlier in the tournament, during the toss of all matches, the captains of India and Pakistan did not shake hands. Players also refrained from shaking hands following each one of India’s three victories, further fueling the controversy amid the ongoing political tensions between the two nations.