Despite winning the Asia Cup 2025 final, the Indian team was denied the trophy after captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team refused to accept it from Mohsin Naqvi, President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and head of the Pakistan Cricket Board. Naqvi is also Pakistan's Home Minister and is known for his anti-India statements. India had announced this well in advance, but despite this, Naqvi did not leave the stage during the trophy presentation ceremony. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has now stated that the Indian team's action was completely justified and that the board will lodge a strong protest at the ICC meeting in November.
"India cannot accept the trophy from someone who is waging war against our country..."
Saikia said, "As far as the trophy is concerned, India cannot accept it from someone who is waging war against our country. We did not accept the trophy, but that does not mean that someone can take it and the medals to their hotel. This is childish behavior, and we will protest against it."
India defeated Pakistan 3-0
Saikia praised the Indian team, saying that the team won all seven matches in the tournament and defeated Pakistan three times. He said, "This is a major achievement for Team India. This victory has made the countrymen feel proud." He also stated that India participated in the tournament in accordance with government policy. He said, "Whenever there is a bilateral series, India does not play Pakistan. But in multinational tournaments, like the Asia Cup, we have to play; otherwise, we could face a ban in other sports as well."
Suryakumar's statement, "The real trophy is my team."
Captain Suryakumar Yadav said that while it is sad not to win the trophy, the real trophy for him is his team. Suryakumar said in the press conference, "Ever since I started playing cricket, I have never seen a winning team not win a trophy. But for me, the real trophy is my team. All 14 players and the support staff are the real trophy of my memories. These moments will always be special to me." Surya further said, "When the tournament ends, only the champions are remembered, not the photo of the trophy."
Suryakumar remained calm in the face of questions from Pakistani journalists.
During the press conference, Pakistani journalists asked Surya several questions, even accusing him of bringing politics into cricket. But the captain replied with a smile, "Why are you getting angry? You tell me, who should get the trophy after winning? We made this decision on the field. No one was dictating to us from outside."
"There was no shortage of celebrations; we have the trophy."
Suryakumar jokingly said that the team celebrated enthusiastically. He said, "Didn't you see the photo of the trophy? I brought the trophy. Abhishek and Shubman have already posted the picture. Look how beautiful it looks." He laughed and said, "Rinku hit a four, we won, everyone celebrated, and celebrated the players' achievements. This was the chain of events we wanted."
Historic victory for India
India recorded seven consecutive victories in the tournament, which ran from September 4th to 28th. Tilak Varma's unbeaten 69 helped India defeat Pakistan by five wickets in the final. Both Saikia and Suryakumar believe this victory is a matter of pride for the countrymen and a testament to the players' hard work.
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