September 29, 2025 | Dubai, UAE: No trophy for India became the shocking twist after India achieved a hard-earned victory against Pakistan in the final of the Asia Cup 2025, thereby securing their ninth title in the tournament’s history. This triumph was characterized by an exhilarating conclusion in the final over. However, the ensuing celebrations were marred by a significant controversy.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president, Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, left the official trophy presentation with the silverware, which meant Naqvi took Asia Cup silverware and the champions did not receive the award as expected. This occurrence has elicited considerable shock within the cricket community and has prompted inquiries regarding the management of the event.
India Secure Ninth Title but Trophy Missing from Ceremony
The final at the Dubai International Stadium delivered a spectacle worthy of the rivalry between India and Pakistan. Batting second, India won the Asia Cup, led by Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 runs and solid contributions from Shivam Dube. The contest ended with Rinku Singh striking the winning boundary with two balls to spare, sealing a five-wicket victory.
This triumph marked India’s ninth Asia Cup 2025 win, extending their dominance in the tournament’s history. Players and fans anticipated the traditional trophy handover, but the post-match proceedings deviated sharply from expectations. The presentation ceremony began after a delay of more than an hour and featured only individual awards for standout performers. The central piece of the event—the Asia Cup trophy—was not handed to the winning team.
Instead, reports confirmed that Naqvi took Asia Cup silverware and the medals, bypassing the standard practice of presenting the silverware to the champions on the field. The unusual sequence left India’s players celebrating without the defining symbol of their achievement.
Read More: India vs Pakistan Final: India Wins 9th Asia Cup 2025 – Match Highlights, Live Updates
No Trophy for India Sparks BCCI Reaction
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed its displeasure at the handling of the ceremony. The organization stated that the Indian team had chosen not to accept the trophy from Naqvi due to his dual role as both ACC chief and a senior political leader in Pakistan. This decision created a vacuum in the presentation process, which was compounded when Naqvi took Asia Cup silverware and removed it from the venue altogether.
BCCI officials later confirmed that they expect the trophy and medals to be formally handed over to the team at the earliest opportunity. The board also announced its intention to raise the matter at the forthcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting, framing it as an issue of sporting protocol and fairness rather than only a political dispute.
The incident has intensified the spotlight on how the Asia Cup 2025 was managed. The Asia Cup 2025, governed by the ACC, often reflects the broader political climate in the region. This year’s final, instead of serving as a celebration of sport, has become a talking point for how politics and cricket continue to collide on the international stage.
Impact on Players and the Tournament’s Legacy
For the Indian team, the night was meant to showcase unity, performance under pressure, and another historic trophy to their cabinet. While players collected their individual awards, the absence of the Asia Cup trophy created a symbolic gap.
Photographs from the post-match celebrations captured a victorious squad without the iconic silverware that usually defines such moments.
This has sparked debate about whether future tournaments require stricter governance over ceremonial protocols to ensure that the focus remains on the players. Observers note that while India’s win remains unquestionable, the memory of the final may be permanently associated with the no trophy for India rather than the on-field performance.
The broader cricketing community has also taken notice. Analysts and fans alike have emphasized the need for sporting bodies to safeguard the neutrality of events, ensuring that champions are recognized in a manner that reflects the spirit of competition. The Asia Cup has historically been a showcase of talent from across the region, but this edition risks being remembered more for controversy than for cricketing excellence.
India’s Victory Overshadowed by Trophy Row
The victory of India in the Asia Cup 2025 final constitutes a significant milestone in the nation’s esteemed cricketing heritage.
Nevertheless, the absence of a trophy presentation has given rise to an unprecedented scenario in international cricket. While the achievement on the field remains intact, the lack of tangible recognition during the celebrations has created a notable absence for both players and supporters.
As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prepares to bring this matter before the International Cricket Council (ICC), there remain critical questions regarding the timeline and manner in which the trophy will be formally awarded to the deserving champions. At this moment, no trophy for India remains the defining story: the team holds the title of champions, but Naqvi took Asia Cup silverware, overshadowing the sporting achievement that should have defined the Asia cup.
Also Read: India vs Pak Final Match Prediction: Who Will Take the Asia Cup 2025 Crown in Dubai?
