What began as a night of celebration for Indian cricket has spiraled into a full-blown controversy. Barely hours after India’s five-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has accused Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi of walking away with the tournament trophy and winners’ medals.
Saikia: “Very unfortunate, very unsporting”
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told reporters that while India had made a conscious decision not to accept the trophy from Naqvi, that did not mean the silverware itself should vanish from the stage.
“We had decided not to take the trophy from the ACC chairman who happens to be one of the leading leaders of Pakistan. But that does not mean the gentleman will take away the trophy along with the medals. It is very unfortunate, very unsporting, and we hope the trophy and medals will be returned to India as soon as possible,” Saikia said.
The official added that the BCCI will lodge a formal protest at the upcoming ICC meeting in November.
Trophy ceremony in disarray
Sunday’s closing ceremony descended into chaos after the Indian team refused to step forward while Naqvi remained adamant about presenting the prize. Eventually, the trophy and medals were taken off the ground, with only runners-up Pakistan receiving their medals from Bangladesh Cricket Board President Aminul Islam.
Indian players, including captain Suryakumar Yadav, later expressed disappointment in the post-match press conference, saying they had “never seen a champion team denied a trophy.”
Political undertones
The controversy has also spilled into politics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X shortly after the victory, comparing India’s win to “#OperationSindoor on the games field.” Saikia echoed similar sentiments, calling it “Operation Killa”, a symbolic reply to what he termed “hostile activities” by Pakistan.
BCCI rewards players
Amid the storm, the BCCI tried to lift the mood by announcing a ₹21 crore bonus for the squad and support staff, praising their resilience through the tournament.
What next?
The Asia Cup 2025 final, already etched in memory for its fiery India–Pakistan rivalry, now carries an extraordinary postscript. The champions hold no silverware, the governing bodies are at loggerheads, and the fate of the trophy itself hangs in the balance. With the BCCI set to escalate the matter at the ICC, this chapter of cricket diplomacy is far from closed.
