Ten days after India’s emphatic victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final, the champions are still waiting to receive the trophy—thanks to an unprecedented standoff involving Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The controversy, which began in Dubai, took a bizarre turn this week when Naqvi appeared at Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed’s wedding reception in Karachi and dodged questions about the trophy’s whereabouts, triggering fresh outrage across cricketing circles.
India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, defeated Pakistan by five wickets to clinch their record ninth Asia Cup title. However, the post-match ceremony was marred by Naqvi’s refusal to hand over the trophy and individual medals to the Indian team. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had requested that someone else present the trophy, citing Naqvi’s prior political gestures and complaints against Indian players. Naqvi rejected the request and left the stage with the trophy, which has not been seen publicly since.
Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Controversy – Timeline of Events
| Date | Event Description | Location | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 28, 2025 | India defeats Pakistan in final | Dubai | Wins 9th Asia Cup title |
| Sep 28, 2025 | Naqvi refuses to hand over trophy | Dubai Stadium | Trophy taken off-stage |
| Sep 29, 2025 | BCCI protests to ACC | Dubai | No resolution announced |
| Oct 4, 2025 | Abrar Ahmed’s wedding begins | Karachi | Naqvi attends Mehendi ceremony |
| Oct 6, 2025 | Naqvi dodges trophy questions at reception | Karachi | Video goes viral |
At Abrar Ahmed’s walima ceremony, Naqvi was surrounded by reporters and guests who asked about the Asia Cup trophy. In a now-viral video, Naqvi ignored the questions, flashed a tight smile, and was escorted to his car by pacer Shaheen Afridi. The incident has reignited criticism of Naqvi’s handling of the tournament and his alleged politicisation of cricket.
The controversy began earlier when Naqvi shared a video of Cristiano Ronaldo making a “fighter jet” gesture, interpreted as a veiled reference to Pakistan’s speedster Haris Rauf, who made the same gesture during the Super 4 match against India. Naqvi also filed a complaint against Suryakumar Yadav for dedicating India’s group-stage win to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the Indian armed forces. The ICC fined Yadav 30% of his match fee, further straining relations.
Mohsin Naqvi – Controversial Actions During Asia Cup 2025
| Incident | Description | Impact on Tournament |
|---|---|---|
| Fighter Jet Gesture Post | Shared Ronaldo clip on social media | Interpreted as political provocation |
| Complaint Against Suryakumar | Accused of political comments | ICC issued fine and warning |
| Trophy Withholding | Refused to hand over trophy to India | Sparked diplomatic protest |
| Trophy Relocation | Moved trophy to ACC HQ in Dubai | India still awaits official handover |
| Wedding Appearance | Dodged questions at Abrar’s reception | Viral video intensifies backlash |
India’s players, including Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav, refused to shake hands with Pakistani counterparts during the tournament. The Indian captain dedicated the final win to the armed forces, a move that drew praise at home but criticism from Pakistan. The BCCI has reportedly warned the ACC of possible action if the trophy is not returned soon.
Sources suggest that Naqvi felt “insulted” when both teams delayed the post-match ceremony, leaving him stranded on stage. His frustration grew when Indian officials insisted that someone else present the trophy. Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha added to the drama by tossing away the runner-up cheque in front of Naqvi during the live broadcast.
India’s Asia Cup 2025 Campaign – Match Summary
| Match Stage | Opponent | Result | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | Pakistan | Win by 6 wickets | Suryakumar Yadav – 72 runs |
| Super 4 | Pakistan | Win by 4 wickets | Harshit Rana – 3 wickets |
| Final | Pakistan | Win by 5 wickets | Tilak Varma – 69 runs (Player of Match) |
Abrar Ahmed, whose wedding became the backdrop for the latest twist, had a decent Asia Cup campaign, picking up six wickets in seven matches. He has been named in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming Test series against South Africa starting October 12 in Lahore.
Social media platforms have exploded with reactions to Naqvi’s antics, with hashtags like #AsiaCupTrophy, #MohsinNaqviDrama, and #CricketPolitics trending across Twitter/X, Facebook, and YouTube. Fans and former players have called for the ICC to intervene and ensure that India receives its rightful trophy.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Trophy Controversy
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.8M mentions | 85% critical of Naqvi | #AsiaCupTrophy #MohsinNaqviDrama |
| 1.5M interactions | 80% supportive of India | #CricketPolitics #TrophyGate | |
| YouTube | 1.2M views | 78% analytical | #AsiaCupExplained #NaqviControversy |
| 950K views | 70% diplomatic | #CricketGovernance #ACCLeadership |
The BCCI is expected to escalate the matter to the ICC if the trophy is not returned before the start of the India-South Africa Test series in Delhi. Officials have described the episode as “disrespectful and embarrassing,” arguing that it has robbed players of their moment of celebration.
In conclusion, Mohsin Naqvi’s continued silence and evasive behavior regarding the Asia Cup 2025 trophy have deepened the controversy surrounding his role as ACC President. As India awaits the handover of its hard-earned title, cricket fans and officials alike are demanding accountability, transparency, and respect for the spirit of the game.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, verified video footage, and expert commentary. It does not constitute political endorsement or diplomatic advice. Readers are advised to follow updates from the BCCI, ACC, and ICC for accurate information.
