India came out on top in the Asia Cup 2025 final, but what followed after the win was not a typical post-match winners trophy presentation.
After beating Pakistan by five wickets, India refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister.
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The moment shocked fans and delayed the presentation, but captain Suryakumar Yadav later made it clear that the team valued the win more than the silverware.
Mohsin Naqvi boycotted: Why did India refuse to take the Asia Cup 2025 trophy?
The Indian team stayed firm at the presentation ceremony but decided not to take the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who is not only the ACC chairman but also PCB chief and inrerior minister of Pakistan.
Their stand came at a time when relations were already strained after the Pahalgam terror attack and the following Operation Sindoor. The standoff meant the champions walked away without a trophy in hand.
India captain SKY explained that the players made the call collectively on the ground. No directive came from the board or officials, and it was purely a team decision.
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What did Suryakumar Yadav say after the controversy?
Speaking at the press conference, Suryakumar admitted he had never seen such a situation before. But he stressed that his teammates and support staff were the real trophies for him.
"I have never seen this before -- winning team not receiving trophy... But for me, my players and support staff are the real trophies," Suryakumar said.
Later, on social media, the captain wrote, “When the game is done, only the champions will be remembered, not the picture of a trophy.”
When the game is done, only the champions will be remembered and not the picture of a 🏆 pic.twitter.com/0MbnoYABE3
— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) September 28, 2025
Suryakumar Yadav also made a heartfelt gesture. At the post-match press conference, he announced that he would donate his entire match fee to the Indian Army.
"I have decided to donate my match fees from this tournament to support our Armed Forces and the families of the victims who suffered from the Pahalgam terror attack. You always remain in my thoughts," Suryakumar stated.
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