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Post by : Shivyah Rahman
The 2025 Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan ended in controversy after the Indian team refused to accept the winner’s trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The decision has ignited political and sporting debates across Asia.
India’s refusal to accept the trophy was seen as a symbolic protest reflecting tense diplomatic relations between the two countries. The move followed several instances during the tournament where Indian players avoided handshakes with Pakistani players. This gesture during the final highlighted the ongoing political friction extending beyond the sport itself.
Indian all-rounder Rahul Tewatia spoke about the team’s decision, emphasizing that the players were unbothered by the absence of the trophy presentation. He stated, “As far as the trophy is concerned, based on what we heard and saw, we didn’t get the trophy. Our players and management were waiting, but it was taken back. In history, the winner’s name remains, regardless of whether the trophy was awarded.”
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed disappointment over India’s actions. Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman, said that the Indian team’s refusal was disrespectful and against the established tournament protocols. He added that the trophy should have been accepted as a matter of official decorum.
The trophy controversy drew global attention, with cricketing bodies and former players offering divided opinions. Some supported India’s political stance, while others criticized the move as harmful to sportsmanship. As of now, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has not released an official statement regarding the matter.
India declined the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi due to escalating political tensions, reportedly linked to incidents like the Pahalgam terror attack, which strained Indo-Pak relations ahead of the tournament.
Mohsin Naqvi currently serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He was also the presiding Chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) during the tournament.
Indian players, including Rahul Tewatia, stated that the decision was mutual across the team and management, emphasizing that their victory stood independent of the physical trophy presentation.
The PCB expressed disapproval, labeling the incident as disrespectful. Mohsin Naqvi maintained that the Indian team should have upheld traditional post-match protocol by accepting the trophy.
The refusal underscored the intersection of politics and sport, igniting debates about diplomacy, sportsmanship, and regional relations. Analysts believe it could affect future bilateral and ACC-hosted cricket engagements.
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