The Indian cricket team refused to receive the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also heading the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB), sources revealed on Sunday.
The move reportedly came on the directives of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Despite pressure, Naqvi remained firm on his decision to present the trophy himself, refusing to bow to India’s demands, the sources added.
The development has sparked attention during the high-profile final in Dubai, highlighting tensions off the field.
According to insiders, the stance was a continuation of India’s rigid approach throughout the tournament, where they insisted on conditions separate from neutral arrangements.
Earlier, Tilak Varma’s calm and composed half-century, backed by Kuldeep Yadav’s decisive four-wicket haul, powered India to a five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing 147, India overcame a fiery start from Pakistan’s pacers to seal the title with two balls to spare. Tilak remained unbeaten on 69 off 53 deliveries, striking four sixes and three fours to guide the reigning world champions to a record-extending ninth Asia Cup crown.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan looked on course for a big total thanks to their openers. Sahibzada Farhan continued his brilliant tournament form, smashing 57 off 38 balls with five boundaries and three sixes, while Fakhar Zaman added 46 off 35 balls. Together, they stormed to 84 without loss by the halfway stage.
But the promising stand was undone when Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Farhan, opening the door for Kuldeep Yadav to dismantle the middle order. Pakistan slipped from 113 for 1 to 134 for 8 in the space of four overs. Fakhar, captain Salman Ali Agha, and Shaheen Afridi all fell in quick succession as Kuldeep returned 4 for 30. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs.