New Delhi, Sep 29, 2025 — The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan has ended in high drama, not just on the field but also off it. While India clinched a memorable five-wicket win, the trophy presentation ceremony turned chaotic after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi refused to hand over the winner’s trophy to Indian skipper Rohit Sharma.
Trophy Presentation Standoff
Reports revealed that Naqvi allegedly denied Team India the opportunity to collect their trophy and medals. Indian officials also refused to accept the trophy from him, citing his Pakistani position. A proposal for Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni to present the trophy was also blocked by Naqvi, leading to nearly an hour-long standoff. Eventually, the trophy was quietly removed from the presentation stage, leaving fans and players stunned.
Mohsin Naqvi’s Tweet Against PM Modi
The controversy deepened when Naqvi hit out at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. In response to Modi’s congratulatory post for Team India, Naqvi wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
> “If war was your measure of pride, history already records your humiliating defeats at Pakistan’s hands. No cricket match can rewrite that truth. Dragging war into sport only exposes desperation and disgraces the very spirit of the game.”
The remark has drawn sharp criticism from cricket fans and analysts worldwide, who accused the PCB chairman of politicising cricket and disrespecting the spirit of the game.
Rising Tensions During Asia Cup
This was not the first flashpoint during the tournament. From India skipping pre-toss photoshoots and refusing handshakes with Pakistan players, to Naqvi earlier demanding action against Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav for showing support to the Indian Army, the rivalry went far beyond the boundary line.
Social Media Backlash
Naqvi’s tweet has triggered a social media storm, with hashtags like #AsiaCupFinal, #MohsinNaqvi, and #PMModi trending across India and Pakistan. Many Indian fans slammed the PCB chairman for dragging politics into cricket, while Pakistani supporters praised his aggressive stance.
Conclusion
The Asia Cup 2025 final will be remembered not just for India’s thrilling victory, but also for the unprecedented off-field drama involving PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. As cricket lovers debate whether sport should remain separate from politics, one thing is clear — this controversy has left a lasting mark on Indo-Pak cricketing relations.
