Dubai: A fresh controversy has erupted following India’s Asia Cup 2025 triumph over Pakistan, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally accused Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi of taking away the winner’s trophy and medals after India declined to receive them during the post-match ceremony.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia voiced strong disapproval of the incident, calling it “deeply unsporting” and confirming that the board will raise the matter at the International Cricket Council (ICC) conference scheduled for November.
India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the final — their third win over their arch-rivals in the tournament — but the celebratory mood turned sour when the Indian team chose not to accept the awards from Naqvi, citing diplomatic sensitivities.
“We had made it clear beforehand that we would not accept the trophy from the ACC chairman, who is also a senior Pakistani government official,” Saikia stated. “That, however, does not justify someone walking off with the trophy and medals. This is unheard of in international sport.”
The BCCI had reportedly requested that Khalid Al Zarooni, vice-chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, present the awards instead — a proposal that was denied by the ACC. After a prolonged 90-minute delay, the trophy and medals were quietly removed from the venue, leaving the Indian players to celebrate with symbolic gestures, raising imaginary trophies on the podium.
“We expect the trophy and medals to be returned to the Indian team at the earliest,” Saikia said, adding that the board is preparing a formal protest.
The episode has sparked widespread reaction online, especially after Prime Minister Narendra Modi referenced the win in a social media post, calling it “#OperationSindoor on the games field,” likening the victory to India’s recent military success. Saikia extended the analogy, saying: “This was Operation Sindoor earlier. What we saw on the field in Dubai was Operation Killa — a fitting response to those who attempt to politicise sport.”
Saikia reiterated that India maintains a clear position on cricketing ties with Pakistan, in line with government policy: no bilateral series, with only multinational events considered due to international commitments.
In recognition of the team’s performance, the BCCI announced a ₹21 crore cash reward for the players and support staff.
With the controversy far from over and international cricket authorities expected to weigh in soon, the Asia Cup 2025 final — which should have been remembered for India’s dominant performance — is now making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
