Saturday, March 29, 2025
IND vs PAK Final: Team India Refuses to Accept Trophy and Medals After Victory, Sparks Major Controversy
Asia Cup 2025 Final – India vs Pakistan:
In a dramatic and controversial turn of events, Team India refused to accept the Asia Cup 2025 trophy and medals after defeating Pakistan by 5 wickets in the final match. The final, played between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, saw India deliver a strong performance to clinch the title for a record 9th time. However, the post-match presentation ceremony was delayed after the Indian team declined to accept the trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and current Pakistani Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
After the match, the Indian team clearly stated that it would not receive the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Chairman of the Asian Cricket Council. The refusal stemmed from political tensions, especially due to Naqvi’s controversial remarks during Operation Sindoor, where he allegedly issued nuclear threats against India.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav had reportedly made his stance clear before the match, saying he would not accept the trophy from a person who had made such threatening statements against the country.
In a rare move, not a single Indian player stepped forward to receive medals or the trophy. The symbolic act of protest sent shockwaves through the cricketing world and triggered heated discussions across sports and political spheres. The team also refused to pose for a traditional trophy photoshoot with Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha.
The award ceremony was marred by the absence of Indian players. Organizers were seen trying to mediate, but Team India remained firm in their protest. Reportedly, during the match held on September 14, Indian players also refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts after the win—another indication of the frosty relations.
India and Pakistan have shared a long history of political tension, which often spills over into the sporting arena. India has previously boycotted playing against Pakistan in bilateral series and international events. This time, the controversy deepened due to Mohsin Naqvi’s dual roles in politics and cricket administration, especially given his wartime rhetoric during Operation Sindoor.
Despite the controversy, India’s win was celebrated widely across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while congratulating the team, made a pointed remark referring to Operation Sindoor: “Even on the field, the result was the same.”
This incident may go down as one of the most politically charged moments in cricket history, reigniting the debate on the intersection of sports and diplomacy. Whether the Asian Cricket Council responds or intervenes remains to be seen.
