DUBAI: In one of the strangest moments in cricket, Team India lifted the Asia Cup 2025 without actually lifting the trophy. The reason? The players flatly refused to accept the silverware from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief and Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi.

India beat Pakistan by five wickets in the final on Sunday, sending fans in Dubai into a frenzy. But the celebrations soon turned awkward when the post-match presentation began. While individual awards were handed out, the actual Asia Cup trophy stayed untouched.

According to reports, India had already made it clear that they would not accept the trophy if Naqvi was the one presenting it. The team was open to receiving it from Emirates Cricket Board’s vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni, who was also on stage, but Naqvi allegedly refused to step aside. This standoff meant the trophy was never handed over — possibly the first time such an incident has occurred in cricket.

Indian fans at the stadium voiced their disapproval loudly, booing when Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha walked up and chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” Even after the long delay, the players stood firm, keeping their distance from Naqvi and refusing to budge. At one point, organisers were forced to take the trophy inside the dressing room.

The incident added fuel to an already tense cricketing rivalry. Earlier in the tournament, India had avoided handshakes with Pakistan players and even skipped the traditional pre-toss photoshoot. The atmosphere around the final made it clear that India’s stance wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision but a continuation of their protest.

For Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, it turned into a major embarrassment. Left standing awkwardly on stage, he faced boos and chants from the crowd. Reports suggest that had he pushed forward with the handover, India would have filed an official protest with the ACC.

While Indian players partied with fans and celebrated the hard-fought win, the glittering Asia Cup trophy remained in the shadows — a bizarre end to a thrilling final.