In a one of its kind scenario, ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi went away from Dubai Stadium with the Asia Cup trophy after Indian players refused to accept it. The drama unfolded after India beat Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final by 5 wickets.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have been running high on and off the field among players and fans. This comes against the backdrop of the Pahalgam terrorist attack by Pakistan, followed by India’s military operation, Operation Sindoor.
Things got heated in the pre-tournament captains’ press conference when there was a lot of chatter around Suryakumar Yadav shaking hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi at the event.
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Then, in the 1st group stage match between the 2 teams, the 2 captains did not shake hands at the toss. When India won the match, they denied shaking hands with Pakistan despite the latter waiting for them in front of their dressing room.
In the post-match presentation, Suryakumar Yadav dedicated India’s win to the Indian Armed Forces for Operation Sindoor and the families of the victims of the Pahalgam Terror Attack. The captain and coach doubled down on this stance after the game.
This was followed by Salman Ali Agha boycotting the post-match presentation. Even ICC was dragged into the situation as PCB alleged match referee Andy Pycroft of partiality with Pakistan. However, despite all the theatrics, ICC didn’t budge on its stance.
Then came the Super 4 match between the 2 sides, wherein a lot of gesturing and posturing was involved by players. especially from Pakistan. Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan were reprimanded for their action, with Haris Rauf facing a 30 percent match fee deduction.
Suryakumar Yadav was also docked 30 per cent of his match fee for making a political comment after the 1st match. However, this did not seem to deter the Indian captain as he humiliated Pakistan with no rivalry jibe after the 2nd match.
Before the Asia Cup 2025 final, Salman Ali Agha hit out at Suryakumar Yadav and India’s antics
