India's players celebrate winning the Asia Cup 2025 after their final against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 28, 2025. ASIA CUP

The Asia Cup final in Dubai ended in controversy on Sunday night (September 28) as India refused to collect the winner’s trophy after their victory over arch-rivals Pakistan, igniting a firestorm of political and sporting debate. India chased down Pakistan’s 147-run target at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium to lift the Asia Cup. But the celebrations took a dramatic turn when captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that the team had decided not to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). “We took the call on the ground about not taking the trophy,” Yadav told media. “I think this is one thing which I have never seen since I started playing cricket — that the champion team is denied the trophy.” Indian cricket board (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia backed the players’ decision. “We have decided not to take the trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the main leaders of Pakistan,” he told ANI. Because of the refusal, it appeared that the trophy was not handed to the Indian side at all. Saikia described the incident as “unfortunate,” adding: “That does not mean that the gentleman will take away the trophy with him, along with the medals. We hope that the trophy and the medals will be returned to India as soon as possible.” The BCCI announced plans to lodge a “very serious and strong protest” at an upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) conference in Dubai. The politically charged rivalry had been simmering throughout the tournament. Tensions spiked after India skipped a customary handshake in solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, and both teams traded complaints over provocative gestures and politically charged remarks. Pakistan’s Haris Rauf was fined for flashing a “6-0” hand signal — a reference to the country’s claim of downing six Indian jets — while India’s captain Yadav was penalized for dedicating a win to the armed forces. The decision not to accept the trophy divided fans online. “Good job Indian players. We don’t want gifts from terrorists,” wrote Dayal Singh. Maryam Wajeeh, however, criticized the move: “But you played with them. Hypocrites.” Another user, Mohamed Aslam, said: “Don’t mix sports with dirty politics.” Despite fireworks lighting up the stadium, the missing trophy left a void in what should have been a moment of triumph — turning the Asia Cup finale into one of the most politically charged finishes in cricket history. PGD/Expat Media
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