Asia Cup Trophy chaos: The 90-minute drama in Dubai, featuring PCB chief Naqvi's 'childish' antics

Suryakumar Yadav mimicked Rohit Sharma’s iconic World Cup walk with an imaginary trophy. (AFP)

India’s record-extending Asia Cup triumph over Pakistan on Sunday night in Dubai was supposed to end with joyous celebrations. Instead, it descended into a 90-minute standoff that left the champions without their trophy, fans bewildered, and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) facing a storm of criticism.

The 90-minute drama between BCCI and Naqvi turned the Asia Cup final into one of the most controversial nights in the tournament’s history. Here is what we know:

India’s stance before the presentation

After Tilak Verma’s unbeaten 69 guided India to a five-wicket win, players returned to the field with their families. But there was already unease in the presentation area. According to reports, the BCCI had informed its ACC representative beforehand that the team would not receive the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s Interior Minister and ACC chairman, who has repeatedly taken anti-India positions.

Naqvi had previously posted cryptic videos mocking India’s armed forces and even pushed for ICC action against Indian players who showed solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. India had also maintained a strict “no handshake” policy with Pakistan throughout the tournament.

Presentation ceremony stalls

As the stage was set, Indian players stayed back, making it clear they would accept the trophy only from another dignitary, such as Dubai Sports City vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni. But Naqvi refused to step aside, insisting on handing over the silverware himself.

This triggered an unprecedented stalemate. Broadcaster Simon Doull was forced to continue with the sponsor-mandated individual awards while both teams held back. The Pakistan squad eventually collected their runners-up medals from Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam Bulbul after Naqvi refused to distribute them.

Doull then addressed the crowd: “I have been informed by the Asian Cricket Council that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight. So that does conclude the post-match presentation.” His words were met with loud boos from Indian supporters, who chanted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” as Naqvi walked off the stage.

'Unexpected and very childish'

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia defended India's refusal to accept the trophy "from a person who is waging a war against the country."

"We have taken a decision not to accept the trophy, but that does not allow the gentleman to take away the trophy and the medals to his hotel," he added.

He said that Naqvi's decision to storm off with the silverware was both "unexpected" and "very childish".

"This is unexpected, very childish in nature, and we will launch a very strong protest with ICC in the forthcoming ICC meeting to be held in Dubai in the first week of November," he said.

Praising India's performance, he said that India won all seven matches at the group stage. "India won all the three matches. Thereafter, in the group of four, they won the matches and finally also," he said.

Trophy vanishes, chaos deepens

Incredibly, the Asia Cup trophy and medals were carried away by ACC staff, leaving the champions empty-handed. Groundsmen brought the champions’ placard twice, only to take it back. BCCI officials later alleged that Naqvi took the trophy and medals with him to his hotel room, an act they described as “unsportsmanlike” and “shocking.”

“We have decided not to take the Asia Cup 2025 trophy from the ACC chairman, who is one of the main leaders of Pakistan,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told reporters. “But that does not mean the gentleman will take away the trophy and medals. It is very unfortunate, and we hope they are returned to India at the earliest.”

Indian players improvise celebrations

Denied the silverware, Indian players improvised their own celebrations. Hardik Pandya climbed onto the podium for a selfie, while Suryakumar Yadav mimicked Rohit Sharma’s iconic World Cup walk with an imaginary trophy. Abhishek Sharma joked, “We actually got one — Surya bhai brought it! We felt it, we knew its weight.”

However, Skipper Suryakumar, on a serious note, said: “I have never seen a champion team being denied a trophy, that too a hard-earned one.”

Pakistan captain backs Naqvi

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha defended his chairman’s stance. “Look, he is the ACC president. He is well within his rights to give away the trophy. If you don’t want to take it from him, how will you get a trophy?” he said.