‘New India’s’ Snub: Team India Refuses Asia Cup Trophy From Pak Minister After Thrashing Pakistan In Final

In an unprecedented and dramatic act of defiance, Team India refused to accept the Asia Cup 2025 trophy after thrashing Pakistan in the final on Sunday, snubbing Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi. The stunning move, which came after India’s five-wicket victory in Dubai, threw the post-match presentation ceremony into chaos and left the triumphant Indian team celebrating on the field without the coveted silverware.

The BCCI strongly backed the team’s stand, with secretary Devajit Saikia confirming the refusal and stating that India could not accept honours from a representative of a country “waging a war against our country”. He condemned Naqvi for reportedly taking the trophy and medals with him after the standoff and announced that the BCCI would lodge a “very serious and strong protest” at the next ICC conference. The board also announced a cash reward of Rs 21 crore for the victorious team and support staff .

The incident drew immediate praise from the ruling BJP, with IT cell chief Amit Malviya lauding the team’s spirit. “We not only slammed Pakistan on the field but also put Naqvi in his place, a chief propagandist for the terror state that Pakistan is. This is New India,” he posted on X .

The drama unfolded on the presentation stage after the match. The Indian team management made it clear they would not accept the trophy from Naqvi, who has been openly critical of India and its army. While the team was willing to receive the trophy from the Emirates Cricket Board’s vice-chairman, who was also on stage, Naqvi refused to step aside. As Indian fans booed and chanted “Bharat Maata Ki Jai,” a tense standoff ensued, with the Indian players refusing to approach the dais. The ceremony was eventually cut short, with the presenter announcing that the Indian team would not be collecting their awards, and the trophy was reportedly taken away from the venue.

The defiant gesture was the culmination of a highly charged tournament where India had already refused to shake hands with Pakistani players in their previous encounters. Naqvi’s past actions, including posting videos referencing Pakistani military claims against India and demanding ICC action against Suryakumar Yadav for supporting the Indian army, had fueled the animosity