India won! Pakistan kept the trophy!
That’s not a typo.
On September 28, 2025, India defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets in the Asia Cup final in Dubai to claim their ninth title, a record. But when it came time to lift the trophy?
There was no ceremony.
No photo.
No presentation.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President, Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister, walked off the field with the trophy and medals after Indian players refused to accept them from his hands.
Now, former Indian legend Harbhajan Singh has spoken up:
“Naqvi isn’t big enough to decide whether India gets the trophy or not.”
Let’s dive deep into one of the most controversial moments in cricket history and why fans are calling for change.
🏆 The Final That Ended Without a Celebration
Yes.
India played well.
They chased down 147.
They deserved the win.
But they didn’t get the trophy.
🔥 Why Did India Refuse the Trophy?
The refusal wasn’t sudden.
It followed weeks of rising tension:
- After India’s group-stage win, SKY dedicated the victory to Indian soldiers involved in Operation Sindoor.
- In response, Pakistani players made controversial gestures:
- Haris Rauf mimicked an aircraft being shot down
- Sahibzada Farhan pretended to fire an AK-47 rifle
- BCCI filed an official complaint with ICC.
- PCB retaliated by complaining about SKY’s comments.
- Trust broke down.
So, when Naqvi, the man at the centre of political tension, took the stage, BCCI had already decided:
“We will not take the trophy from him.”
🚫 Mohsin Naqvi’s Response: “Come Collect It”
Instead of resolving the issue, Naqvi doubled down.
He added:
“I have not apologised. I will not apologise.”
Fans were stunned.
Was this about pride?
Or politics?
Harbhajan Singh didn’t hesitate:
“Naqvi is not big enough to decide if India gets the trophy.”
“We won. The trophy will come to us today or tomorrow.”
💬 Harbhajan Singh: “This Is About Respect, Not Revenge”
In a fiery interview, the legendary spinner made it clear:
He stressed:
- India earned the trophy on the field.
- No individual, not even an ACC president, should hold it hostage.
- The gesture undermines the spirit of sport.
One fan tweeted:
“HBWJ said what every Indian felt. We don’t need permission to claim our win.”
⚖️ What Happens Now? BCCI Takes the Fight to ICC
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not backing down.
BCCI to complain to ICC about Naqvi’s recent ACC meeting:
- BCCI reps Rajiv Shukla and Ashish Shelar questioned Naqvi directly.
- He gave no timeline for handing over the trophy.
- No apology. No compromise.
Now, BCCI plans to escalate the matter to the ICC November meeting.
Their demand?
- The trophy must be delivered to India immediately.
- A formal inquiry into Naqvi’s conduct.
- Clear rules on neutral trophy presentations in high-tension matches.
Experts say:
“If this sets a precedent, future tournaments could face similar chaos.”
🌍 Michael Atherton Drops Bombshell: “India-Pakistan Matches Are Staged for Money”
Even beyond this incident, global voices are questioning the integrity of India-Pakistan clashes.
Former England captain Michael Atherton, writing in The Times, claimed:
Michael Atherton on India-Pakistan cricket politics key claims:
- $3 billion in broadcast rights depend on India-Pakistan games.
- Groups are manipulated so that both teams meet in a knockout format.
- Bilateral series have declined, making ICC events more profitable.
- Cricket is no longer a bridge; it’s a political tool.
He proposes:
✅ Transparent draw system before tournaments
✅ Neutral officials for sensitive matches
✅ Ban political statements from players and boards
“Fixtures must reflect competition, not commerce.”
📊 Why This Matters Beyond One Trophy
As one analyst noted:
“When winning doesn’t guarantee recognition, the game loses its soul.”
🔁 Could This Affect Future Tournaments?
If the ICC doesn’t step in:
- Other nations may refuse trophies under political pressure.
- Neutral venues may stop hosting India-Pakistan games.
- Trust in tournament fairness could collapse.
Already, some fans ask:
“Will the 2027 World Cup final even feel real?”
❓ People Also Ask (PAA) Questions and Answers
Q: Did India win the 2025 Asia Cup?
A: Yes. India beat Pakistan by 5 wickets in the final on September 28, 2025.
Q: Why didn’t India receive the trophy?
A: Indian players refused to take it from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi due to political tensions and player misconduct.
Q: Where is the Asia Cup 2025 trophy now?
A: It’s currently held at the Asian Cricket Council headquarters in Dubai.
Q: Will Harbhajan Singh’s statement change anything?
A: His voice adds public pressure, but only ICC action can force a resolution.
Q: Can BCCI take legal action?
A: Not legally, but through ICC governance channels, yes.
Final Thoughts: Victory Without the Cup?
India proved once again that they’re the best in Asia.
They beat Pakistan three times in one tournament.
They dominated with bat, ball, and nerve.
But without the trophy, the triumph feels incomplete.
Harbhajan Singh slams ACC president:
“We’ve won. The trophy will come to us.”
And he’s right.
Because in the end, no one can erase a win written in runs, wickets, and courage.
But the bigger question remains:
When did cricket stop being just a game?
Watch & React
🎥 Watch: Final moments of Asia Cup 2025 – no trophy handover
📢 See: Harbhajan Singh’s full interview
💬 Comment below: Should the ICC ban political figures from presenting trophies?
#AsiaCupDrama
#TrophyGate
#CricketPolitics
#IndiaDeservesTrophy