The Dubai International Stadium witnessed not just a cricketing spectacle but an unprecedented post-match controversy that has left fans and analysts fuming.
After India’s thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final—their third win against their arch-rivals in this tournament—the Indian team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official Mohsin Naqvi, citing matters of national pride and principle.
What followed was shocking. According to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, Naqvi walked away with the Asia Cup trophy and the individual medals of the champion Indian team, turning what should have been a moment of celebration into a diplomatic and sporting debacle.
Saikia condemned the act as “extremely unfortunate” and “highly unsporting,” announcing that the BCCI will formally protest Naqvi’s actions at the ICC meeting in November.
“We had decided not to take the trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the leading officials from Pakistan. But that does not give him the right to take away the trophy along with the medals. This is unacceptable. We hope the awards are returned to India at the earliest,” Saikia said, underscoring India’s principled stance.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s celebratory X post, calling it #OperationSindoor on the cricket field, perfectly captured the victorious spirit. Saikia drew a symbolic parallel with the nation’s military achievements:
“Our armed forces delivered at the border, and now the same spirit has been shown in Dubai. What was Operation Sindoor earlier has now become Operation Killa. This is a fitting response to the provocative and unsportsmanlike actions of some from a hostile country. India’s win is not just a cricketing victory—it’s a statement of dignity and national pride.”
Saikia also clarified BCCI’s long-standing policy on playing Pakistan:
“The BCCI always follows the Government of India’s directives. In bilateral tournaments, India does not play against Pakistan or any hostile nation. This policy has been consistent for the last 12–15 years. However, in multinational tournaments, participation is mandatory to avoid sanctions from international federations. This is why India played in the Asia Cup.”
Beyond principles, India’s players were rewarded for their exceptional performance. The BCCI has announced a bonus of Rs 21 crore for the victorious team, acknowledging their skill, resilience, and poise under pressure.
Analysts and fans have widely criticized Pakistan’s handling of the post-match ceremony. India’s refusal to accept the trophy from Naqvi was a matter of self-respect, but Naqvi’s insistence on taking away the awards amplified tensions and provoked a nationalistic response from cricket lovers across India.
Experts argue that the situation could have been easily resolved had Pakistan shown maturity, allowing the trophy to be presented by a neutral or Indian-chosen representative.
Instead, the unsportsmanlike conduct overshadowed India’s on-field brilliance.
The Asia Cup 2025 final will be remembered not only for India’s thrilling victory but also for the unprecedented controversy surrounding the trophy and medals.
India’s win, coupled with its steadfast adherence to principles, sent a powerful message of integrity, self-respect, and sportsmanship, proving that national pride and cricketing excellence go hand in hand.
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