New Delhi: India’s record-breaking Asia Cup triumph ended in a bizarre fashion on Sunday night. The team, led by Suryakumar Yadav beat Pakistan comprehensively to clinch their ninth Asia Cup title but yet walked off without the trophy. What should have been a night of celebration turned into confusion and controversy as chaos erupted during the post-match presentation in Dubai.
As the clock ticked past midnight, Indian players who had created history with this victory were seen chatting with broadcasters, soaking in the moment. Rinku Singh, who struck the winning runs, smiled as he recalled the final shot. Shubman Gill, Kuldeep Yadav, and even bowling coach Morne Morkel shared their thoughts. Fans were waiting for the moment every champion team dreams of- lifting the trophy but the presentation never happened.
Mohsin Naqvi was waiting for the Indian players to come on stage to collect the trophy,
but Indian players were busy watching Instagram reels and reading Space Recorder tweets on the ground
🤣🤣pic.twitter.com/R0hZKRYeQa
— Space Recorder (@1spacerecorder) September 28, 2025
Trophy ceremony chaos
Instead of the usual cheers and fireworks, the stadium descended into uncertainty. Reports began to surface that India was unwilling to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Some insiders claimed it was due to tensions between the two boards; others said the delay was because Pakistan’s players hadn’t returned to the field.
While Naqvi stood on stage with phone in his hand he was visibly agitated as he was on the stage for more than 20 minutes, but the Indian team refused to come as the post-match presentation got delayed by nearly an hour. He was also spotted having an animated conversation on phone while standing on the dias. Pakistan’s players remained inside their dressing room and only after a prolonged wait did Salman Ali Agha, along with team officials, emerge to loud boos from the crowd. Several Pakistan players casually strolled out in flip-flops, further frustrating fans.
The situation grew tense as chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” echoed across the stands. Behind the scenes, discussions were on to find an alternate presenter. Eventually, the Emirates Cricket Board’s vice-chairman, Khalid Al Zarooni, was asked to step in and hand over the trophy. The decision seemed to settle things but moments later, plans changed again.
Naqvi exits with trophy
When the time finally came for India to collect their silverware, commentator Simon Doull made a stunning announcement: “The ACC has informed us that India will not be collecting their trophy tonight.” The words sent shockwaves through the broadcast and social media.
Adding to the drama, Naqvi who had been on stage for over 20 minutes reportedly left the stadium carrying the trophy himself. This left the victorious Indian team celebrating without the prize they had rightfully earned. Even Pakistan’s captain appeared visibly frustrated as he tossed aside the runner-up cheque in Naqvi’s presence.
Mohsin Naqvi Has Left The Ground With Asia Cup 2025 Trophy After India Refused To Take From Him
But, Surya Kumar Yadav and Indian team celebrated without the trophy#AsiaCupFinal #INDvPAK #tilakverma
pic.twitter.com/Vmb4rtI6KB
— Drop_in cricket (@drop_incricket) September 28, 2025
For Indian fans, the sight of their team returning to the hotel empty-handed despite a dominant performance summed up a tournament filled with off-field tension. What should have been a moment of pride ended with disbelief, leaving one question lingering that how did a celebration turn into such a farce?