Introduction
In the Asia Cup 2025 final, India defeated Pakistan in a thrilling finish, yet one of the most talked-about outcomes wasn’t just the match — it was the trophy ceremony. Rather than a standard gala of celebration, the event turned into a flashpoint of political tensions. The Indian team refused to accept the trophy and winners’ medals from Mohsin Naqvi, who holds dual roles as President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Reuters+2ESPN.com+2
This blog explores who Mohsin Naqvi is, what led to this standoff, how the presentation unfolded, the reactions, and the broader questions it raises about sport and geopolitics.
Who is Mohsin Naqvi?
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Mohsin Naqvi is a Pakistani politician and cricket administrator. Wikipedia+2Cricbuzz+2
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He has been Chairman of the PCB since February 2024. Wikipedia+2ESPN Cricinfo+2
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On 3 April 2025, he was elected President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) — effectively the continental cricket governing body in Asia. Dawn+4Asian Cricket Council+4ESPN Cricinfo+4
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As ACC President, he presides over Asia-wide cricket coordination, tournaments like the Asia Cup, and regional development. Wikipedia+2Asian Cricket Council+2
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In Pakistan politics, he also holds a position as Interior Minister and is a member of the Senate. Wikipedia
Thus, when he stood to present the Asia Cup trophy, he was not just a neutral dignitary — he was both a Pakistani official and the head of ACC.
Asia Cup 2025 Final: Key Facts
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The final was played on 28 September 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Reuters+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3
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India chased down 147 with 5 wickets in hand and 2 balls to spare to win the title. Reuters+3AP News+3Wikipedia+3
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This marked India’s ninth Asia Cup title (across formats) and their second in the T20 version. AP News+2Wikipedia+2
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The match drew much attention not just for the cricket, but for the political tensions between India and Pakistan that loomed throughout the tournament.
Why Did India Refuse to Collect the Trophy?
Underlying Tensions
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The relationship between India and Pakistan has been strained by recent escalations and conflict. In May 2025, military tensions and a border conflict heightened political sensitivities. Dawn+3Reuters+3AP News+3
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Across the tournament, Indian players had refused handshakes with Pakistani players, even at the toss or post-match stages. Dawn+3Reuters+3AP News+3
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The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) made it explicit that they could not accept a trophy from a representative of Pakistan who is also ACC President.
“We have decided not to take the Asia Cup trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the main leaders of Pakistan.” ESPN.com
Presentation Ceremony Disruption
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The post-match presentation was delayed by over an hour due to uncertainty over whether India would accept the trophy from Naqvi. ESPN.com+2Business Standard+2
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Eventually, India accepted individual awards (player of match, etc.) but refused trophies and medals in front of Naqvi. Wikipedia+3Reuters+3AP News+3
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In a shocking scene, an ACC official appeared to take the trophy and exit the stage (some reports say it was taken to Naqvi’s hotel) rather than formally handing it to the Indian side. Hindustan Times+3India Today+3ESPN.com+3
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The BCCI publicly protested, calling it “totally unexpected” and demanding that the trophy and medals be returned. Hindustan Times+1
Symbolism & Message
From India’s perspective, accepting the trophy from Naqvi would be akin to implicitly endorsing or legitimizing a political representative of a country with which relations are fraught. The refusal was a symbolic stance: to draw a line between sport and sovereignty.
Conversely, ACC and Pakistan officials criticized India’s conduct as lacking sportsmanship and dragging politics into cricket. mint+2Gulf News+2
Reaction & Fallout
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The BCCI threatened to lodge a formal protest with the ICC over the presentation controversy. Reuters+2ESPN.com+2
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Media across India and Pakistan dissected the act — many in India called it a principled protest, while critics argued it undermined sporting spirit.
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Some reports suggested Naqvi intended to withdraw Pakistan from the tournament at one point due to the handshake controversy, though that was reportedly averted. CricTracker+1
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The incident underscores how cricket, especially India vs Pakistan, is never just about sport — it often becomes entangled with national identity, diplomacy, and symbolism.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Has any team refused a trophy before in international cricket?
Not commonly at this scale. This is among the rare instances where a winning team refused to accept the trophy in full public view because of non-sporting reasons.
Q2: Did India refuse all awards or just the trophy?
They refused the trophy and winners’ medals in front of Naqvi, but accepted individual awards (e.g. Player of the Match) without acknowledging Naqvi. Reuters+2AP News+2
Q3: Who is the ACC and what’s their role in Asia Cup?
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is the governing body for cricket in Asia, organizing tournaments like the Asia Cup and working on cricket development among member nations. Wikipedia+2Cricbuzz+2
Q4: Will India eventually get the trophy?
As of now, the BCCI is demanding that the trophy and medals be formally returned to India. ESPN.com+2Hindustan Times+2
Q5: Does this mean politics will overshadow future cricketing ties?
This episode does raise worrying precedents: when politics intrudes into on-field ceremonies, the traditional ethos of sport as a bridge gets tested. The India–Pakistan cricket rivalry has often mirrored diplomatic climates, and this incident may set new norms.
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