Fury as India refuse Asia Cup trophy from PCB chief

A controversy erupted after India’s players declined to receive the Asia Cup 2025 trophy from Asian Cricket Council Chairman and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi following their victory over Pakistan in Dubai. According to insiders, the decision was taken on the direction of the Indian board, a move critics described as politicising the game. The ceremony concluded without a handover, and the silverware was later removed from the field as players lingered in confusion. The incident triggered sharp backlash from fans, journalists and former cricketers, who called the stance unsporting and contrary to the spirit of cricket. Veteran broadcaster Dr Nauman Niaz said grace matters more than trophies, while ex-Pakistan captain Rashid Latif argued that such conduct would merit suspension in other sports. Political commentators also weighed in, calling the refusal a “new low” and accusing India of undermining fair play. The episode capped a heated final that saw India defeat Pakistan, with social media debates spilling into broader criticism of cricket diplomacy and administrative posturing. While the ACC did not issue an immediate formal response, the dispute overshadowed the on-field result and renewed calls for de-escalation of non-sporting tensions in the game.