Trophy Drama: India Wins Asia Cup but Still Can’t Touch the Silverware!
The Asia Cup 2025 trophy drama continues to dominate headlines, overshadowing India’s thrilling victory over Pakistan in the final played in Dubai on September 28, 2025. Despite clinching the title, the Indian cricket team is yet to get their hands on the silverware, sparking a major controversy involving the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and its president, Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Trophy Stuck at Dubai Hotel
According to senior journalist Abhishek Tripathi of Dainik Jagran, the trophy and players’ medals are currently in the possession of Naqvi and are being kept at a Dubai hotel where he is staying. This revelation has caused widespread uproar, with fans questioning how such a situation could unfold in a prestigious tournament like the Asia Cup.
India Refuses to Accept Trophy from Naqvi
The controversy began moments after India’s win. Sources suggest the Indian players refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, citing political sensitivities amid tense bilateral relations between India and Pakistan. The post-match presentation was reportedly delayed by an hour before Naqvi exited the venue, allegedly carrying the trophy and medals with him.
India’s stand has been viewed as a firm political and symbolic statement, but it has also created an awkward situation for the ACC, which is now under pressure to resolve the matter swiftly.
BCCI’s Strong Response
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly taken serious objection to Naqvi’s actions. Sources claim the BCCI has instructed that the silverware be returned directly to the ACC office in Dubai, emphasizing that the trophy is “not Naqvi’s personal property.”
The BCCI is also expected to formally address the matter at the upcoming ICC conference in November, where officials may push for clear protocols to avoid such controversies in the future.
Naqvi Demands Another Ceremony
On the other hand, insiders close to the ACC suggest Naqvi is prepared to hand over the trophy but only if there is another formal ceremony where he personally presents the prize to the Indian team. This demand has further escalated tensions, as India is reportedly unwilling to compromise on its stance.
What Next?
With the silverware still out of India’s hands, the saga highlights the intersection of cricket and politics in South Asia. While the Indian players remain champions on the field, the off-field drama has left fans, boards, and the cricketing fraternity waiting for closure.
The coming weeks will be crucial, as the ACC and ICC attempt to broker a solution that balances sporting integrity with political realities. Until then, the Asia Cup 2025 trophy remains at the center of one of cricket’s most unusual controversies.
