2025 Asia Cup final in Dubai will be remembered not just for India’s historic ninth title triumph but also for the dramatic scenes that unfolded during and after the match. India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in a tense contest but the victory was overshadowed by unprecedented controversy at the post-match presentation ceremony.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha throws cheque in anger after Asia Cup 2025 final defeat to India
The drama began when the Indian players refused to receive the winners’ trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan minister Mohsin Naqvi. Led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian squad made it clear they would only accept the prize from Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni, citing governance concerns and political friction. A standoff followed as Naqvi remained defiant on stage. In an extraordinary turn, organisers eventually removed the trophy altogether, leaving India’s champions to celebrate without the symbol of their achievement. It was the first time in international cricket history that a major final concluded without an official presentation of silverware.
The tension only deepened as Pakistan’s players emerged an hour later to collect their runners-up cheques. In a moment that stunned spectators inside the Dubai International Stadium, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha took his cheque from Naqvi before angrily flinging it away. The act of defiance triggered loud boos from the Indian fans who had stayed late, chanting patriotic slogans as the scenes unfolded. The video quickly went viral on social media platforms, with fans and former cricketers debating the implications of Salman’s gesture. Many have called it a reflection of Pakistan’s frustration both on and off the field, with the final exposing cracks between cricketing bodies and players’ discontent over the administration of the tournament.
Here’s the video:
no way this dude is sober😭🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/dFyLE0zap2
— Abdullah (@ab4dullahx) September 28, 2025
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Press conference sparks new war of words
If Salman’s actions on stage shocked the cricketing world, his words in the post-match press conference set the stage for a deeper controversy. Agitated by the trophy stand-off and Pakistan’s narrow defeat, Agha spoke bluntly, criticising what he called “double standards in the governance of Asian cricket.” Without naming India directly, he suggested that the winners should not be allowed to dictate terms at official ceremonies. He further hinted at growing discontent within the Pakistan camp about their treatment during the tournament, adding fuel to the already charged atmosphere.
When asked about comments from Suryakumar, who reportedly praised Pakistan’s bowling attack but also hinted that India remained technically superior, Agha reacted sharply. “Respect is earned on the field,” he said, warning that Pakistan would remember such words during their future meetings. His fiery remarks have since become a talking point across cricket circles, with analysts debating whether the tension might spill into upcoming bilateral and ICC tournaments.
As for the match itself, the cricket almost took a backseat to the chaos. Pakistan had dominated early, reaching 113-1 before collapsing to 146 all out, largely due to Kuldeep Yadav’s four-wicket spell. A slow start in India’s chase gave Pakistan hope but Tilak Varma’s composed unbeaten 69 along with Shivam Dube’s 33 steadied the innings. The final blow came from Rinku Singh who hit the winning boundary, sealing India’s 150-5 with two balls to spare.
The Asia Cup 2025 final, the first-ever between India and Pakistan, was expected to be historic. Few, however, could have predicted the spectacle of trophies withheld, cheques tossed, and fiery clashes between captains and administrators. What should have been a celebration of cricket supremacy may instead be remembered as one of the most chaotic nights in the sport’s modern history.
