Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav has spoken about the team’s decision to refuse to collect the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Suryakumar stated that the choice was made on the field by the players themselves and denied any direction or involvement from the BCCI.
The Men in Blue clinched the Asia Cup 2025 with a convincing victory over Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 28. During the post-match ceremony, the team declined to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and PCB chairman.
India Refuse to Collect the Asia Cup 2025 Trophy From Mohsin Naqvi
The post-match presentation was delayed as Mohsin Naqvi blocked anyone else from presenting the Asia Cup 2025 trophy to India, led by Suryakumar Yadav. The PCB chairman left with the trophy for his hotel.
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Indian players Tilak Varma, Kuldeep Yadav, and Abhishek Sharma collected their individual awards from sponsors, while the Men in Blue celebrated their victory by posing without the trophy.
The ACC chairperson was set to hand over the title as per protocols. However, India snubbed Naqvi due to his controversial actions and statements. ACC officials and Emirates Cricket Board chairman Khalid Al Zarooni tried to convince Naqvi regarding the presentation.
Simon Doull formally concluded the proceedings, stating the Indian team would not take the trophy. “Ladies and gentlemen, I have been informed by the Asian Cricket Council that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight. So that does conclude the post-match presentation,” Doull said.
We Took This Call on the Ground – Suryakumar Yadav
During the post-match press conference, Suryakumar Yadav said that India’s decision to snub Mohsin Naqvi was made by the players on the field. He denied any involvement or instructions from the BCCI. The captain said that the players waited on the ground and acted collectively.
“I don’t know what you’re saying about the email (when asked whether BCCI sent any communication to the ACC),” Suryakumar Yadav said.
“I have no idea about this. We took this call on the ground. No one told us to do this. And we were waiting. I think if you win a tournament, you play so well throughout the tournament. If you win, do you deserve the trophy or not? You tell me,” he added.
BCCI Announces ₹21 Crore Cash Reward for Players and Staff
Chasing a 147-run target, India lost Abhishek Sharma (5), Shubman Gill (12), and Suryakumar Yadav (1) inside the first four overs, leaving the team in trouble at 20/3.
The middle order rescued the team, with Tilak Varma anchoring the innings. He formed crucial partnerships with Sanju Samson (24) and Shivam Dube (33). They kept the required run rate manageable by smashing boundaries when needed.
Tilak scored an unbeaten 69 runs off 53 balls, including three fours and four sixes. India completed the run chase in 19.4 overs. Rinku Singh smashed the winning boundary to secure a five-wicket victory. Following the win, the BCCI announced a reward of ₹21 crore for the players and support staff.
