India Refuses Asia Cup 2025 Trophy, Celebrates With “Invisible Cup”

The 2025 Asia Cup will be remembered not only for the thrilling cricket matches but also for the controversy that overshadowed the grand finale. Instead of ending with joy and unity, the tournament concluded on a bitter note when India celebrated with an “invisible trophy” after refusing to accept the official prize from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President, Mohsin Naqvi.

India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the final, claiming their ninth Asia Cup title. The match itself was a nail-biter, filled with excitement, drama, and high-pressure moments. However, the happiness of India’s victory did not last long. The presentation ceremony, which usually brings players and fans together in celebration, was delayed for more than an hour. It soon became clear that this delay was caused by political disputes happening behind the scenes.

When the ceremony finally began, the controversy unfolded in front of the cameras. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia explained India’s decision. He stated:
“We decided not to take the Asia Cup trophy from the ACC chairman, who also holds a senior political role in Pakistan. This does not mean the trophy or medals will remain with him. We expect them to be sent to India as soon as possible.”

He also added that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would officially raise a strong protest at the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) annual conference in Dubai this November. This announcement showed that the issue is far from over and may carry on into the global cricketing stage.

After India’s refusal, the trophy was quickly removed from the stage. The ceremony went ahead, but with unusual awkwardness. Pakistan captain Salman Agha collected the runners-up cheque from Mohsin Naqvi, while Indian players accepted only their personal awards from other officials. During this entire exchange, Indian players avoided looking at Naqvi, and he did not applaud them either, highlighting the tension between both sides.

Once the ceremony ended, the Indian team posed on the podium in a mocking fashion, holding up an “imaginary” trophy to signal their victory without the actual cup. The moment spread rapidly on social media, sparking heated debates among cricket fans worldwide.

This incident was the final chapter of a tournament filled with hostility both on and off the field. Earlier in the Asia Cup, India had refused to shake hands with Pakistani players during all three encounters. On the pitch, tempers flared during the Super Four stage, leading to disciplinary action. Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav was fined for making political remarks after the first clash, while Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf faced punishment for making provocative gestures during the return match.

The refusal to accept the trophy has raised serious questions about sportsmanship. Many cricket experts and fans believe that the spirit of the game was overshadowed by politics, damaging the image of the Asia Cup as a celebration of cricket across nations.

As the 2025 Asia Cup comes to a close, fans are left with mixed emotions. On one hand, India’s victory on the field was remarkable and deserving of celebration. On the other hand, the off-field controversies have left a bitter aftertaste. Cricket lovers around the world now hope that by the time the next ICC tournament arrives, such political disputes will not take away from the joy of the game.

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