India’s thrilling 5-wicket triumph over Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup final has been overshadowed by controversy, as the team alleges they were denied the chance to lift the coveted trophy. Captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed dismay, stating he had “never seen a champion team being denied a trophy, and that too a hard-earned one.” The drama unfolded after India refused to accept the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi — also Pakistan’s Interior Minister and PCB Chairman — leading to the award ceremony being abruptly cut short. Throughout the tournament, Indian players avoided handshakes with their rivals, and this tension culminated in the refusal to take the trophy. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the decision, stressing the symbolic protest, and announced that India will officially raise the matter at the next ICC meeting, demanding clarity and restitution.
