India's Asia Cup win marred by trophy rejection amid tensions with Pakistan

On September 24, 2025, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, India triumphed in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan, winning by five wickets with just two balls remaining. This historic match marked the first time India and Pakistan faced each other in an Asia Cup final since the tournament's inception in 1984. Despite the victory, India's cricket team created controversy by choosing to not accept the trophy or medals from Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Asian Cricket Council and head of the Pakistan Cricket Board. This decision came in the wake of ongoing tensions between the countries, which have seen strained relations both on and off the cricket field. During the tournament, Indian players had previously refused handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts, a practice that boiled over during the final. As India celebrated their victory, Tilak Varma notably scored 69 runs, leading the innings, while Rinku Singh hit the winning runs. The post-match ceremony was delayed, and after the Indian team declined to participate in the trophy presentation, it ultimately disbanded without formally acknowledging the occasion. The refusal to receive the trophy has been termed unprecedented in cricket history, as articulated by India's skipper Suryakumar Yadav. As the evening unfolded, a spokesperson informed that the Indian team would not be collecting their awards, marking a significant moment not just in cricket but in the larger context of India-Pakistan relations, which saw an unfortunate intertwining of sports and politics.