With India vs Pakistan, there’s never a shortage of drama on and off the field. And the grand trophy presentation was no exception to it. Team India refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy, delaying the ceremony for nearly an hour. India denied accepting the trophy from Mosin Naqvi, who is both the PCB chairman and ACC president.
As fans were waiting for the customary celebrations, India's players stood still on the field while the Pakistani officials and Naqvi hovered near the dais where the presentations were set to take place. Sources suggest that India declined to share the same stage as Naqvi and receive their trophy from him; the Indian team requested for another dignitary to hand them over their well-deserved silverware. The presentation eventually went ahead with Khalid Al Zarooni, the vice-chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, presenting the trophy to the champions.
The stand taken by the team was well anticipated. Reports before claimed that India had already made up its mind that, had it won the finals, it would not share the same stage as Naqvi. This decision is a bright reflection of the ongoing strain in India-Pakistan cricket ties. With the visible tension between both teams, including no handshakes at the toss and the cold post-match exchanges, this move didn’t surprise much.
Apart from the cold celebration, there was good news announced in the Indian dressing room. A reward of ₹21 crores was announced for the players and support staff by the BCCI as a gesture of recognition for the undefeated streak and historic win against Pakistan.
3 blows.
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 28, 2025
0 response.
Asia Cup Champions.
Message delivered. 🇮🇳
21 crores prize money for the team and support staff. #AsiaCup2025 #INDvPAK #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/y4LzMv15ZC
India certainly won the match on the field, but it also showed its strong stand supporting India and respecting the country’s pride above everything else.