The Asia Cup 2025 final ended in dramatic fashion both on and off the field. After India sealed a five-wicket win over Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday night to claim their ninth Asia Cup crown, the spotlight quickly shifted to an unprecedented controversy involving Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi.
Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, stormed out of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium after the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from him. In a shocking twist, he left the venue with the Asia Cup trophy and medals meant for the Indian players, triggering a storm of criticism across cricketing circles.
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A viral video circulating on social media captured Naqvi walking out alongside ACC officials carrying the silverware. The incident came after a prolonged delay in the presentation ceremony, as the Indian squad boycotted Naqvi due to his recent provocative social media activity.
Mohsin Naqvi to Failed Marshal Asim Munir be like: Huzoor we lost the match but stole the trophy, you can now claim winning the Asia Cup exactly like Operation sindoor where we lost the war and but claimed victory. Typical Pakistanis. Chor!!! pic.twitter.com/LYuDI2Lk2N
— Raja Muneeb (@RajaMuneeb) September 28, 2025
Among his posts were cryptic videos referencing Cristiano Ronaldo’s “plane crash” gesture — interpreted as a dig at India in connection with Pakistan’s false claims during “Operation Sindoor” following the Pahalgam terror attack. The situation worsened when it became clear that the Indian team was only willing to accept the trophy from Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni, who was present on the dais.
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However, Naqvi did not permit this handover. While individual awards were distributed, and Pakistan players collected their medals from Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam Bulbul, broadcaster Simon Doull confirmed that India would not be receiving their awards that night.
Moments later, Naqvi descended from the podium and exited the stadium, with ACC staff carrying the trophy and medals — leaving fans and officials stunned. What should have been a night of celebration for Indian cricket ended with one of the most controversial presentation ceremonies in the sport’s history.
