Asia Cup final marred by trophy row after India defeats Pakistan

India retained the Asia Cup title after a tense five-wicket win over Pakistan, but the victory turned sour when the post-match ceremony dissolved into confusion and protest.

India chased Pakistan’s 146 all out with two balls to spare, thanks to an unbeaten 69 from Tilak Varma and four wickets from Kuldeep Yadav. Pakistan’s strong start, led by Sahibzada Farhan’s 57 and Fakhar Zaman’s 46, collapsed as their final nine wickets fell for just 33 runs.

The on-field triumph was quickly eclipsed by a presentation dispute. Indian players refused to collect the trophy or medals from Mohsin Naqvi, who heads both the Asian Cricket Council and the Pakistan Cricket Board. He is also a minister in the current establishment.

Sources said the team had earlier warned organizers they would not share the stage with him. The ceremony was delayed over an hour as officials tried to resolve the standoff, and the trophy was eventually removed from the ground without a formal handover.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav said the team had been “denied the right to lift the trophy,” while Pakistan captain Salman Agha called India’s action disrespectful.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India signaled plans to complain to the International Cricket Council about Naqvi’s role.

The match followed weeks of tension between the rivals. An earlier group-stage anthem mix-up and heated on-field gestures had already drawn fines for players from both sides.

The Asia Cup final ended with clear on-field winners and unresolved off-field controversy, leaving cricket administrators and both boards to address questions about protocol and ceremony at cross-border fixtures.