What's happened
On September 28, 2025, India defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup final in Dubai but refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the Asian Cricket Council president and Pakistan's Interior Minister. The post-match ceremony was delayed over an hour, ending without the trophy presentation amid ongoing political tensions and a refusal to shake hands between the teams.
What's behind the headline?
Political Tensions Overshadow Sport
The Asia Cup final's trophy controversy reveals how deeply political conflicts between India and Pakistan permeate even sporting events. Mohsin Naqvi's dual role as ACC president and Pakistan's Interior Minister made his presence at the ceremony a flashpoint. India's refusal to accept the trophy from him was a deliberate political statement, underscoring unresolved hostilities.
Symbolism of the Snub
The absence of handshakes and the refusal to accept the trophy symbolize a breakdown in traditional sportsmanship, reflecting broader diplomatic failures. Despite cricket's potential as a bridge, entrenched nationalism and recent military clashes have hardened attitudes.
Impact on Cricket and Regional Relations
This incident will likely deepen divisions between the cricket boards and fans, complicating future bilateral matches. It also highlights how sport is used as a proxy for political messaging, with players caught between national expectations and sporting ideals.
Forecast
Unless political relations improve, such incidents will recur, potentially harming cricket's role as a unifying force in South Asia. The upcoming 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where India and Pakistan are expected to meet, will be a critical test of whether sportsmanship can prevail over politics.
Reader Relevance
For cricket fans and observers of South Asian geopolitics, this story illustrates how sport and politics intertwine, affecting international relations and cultural exchanges. It also serves as a reminder of the limits of sports diplomacy in deeply divided contexts.
What the papers say
Emma John in The Guardian highlights the gendered dimension, lamenting that the women's World Cup, which India also hosts, could have offered a more positive example of sportsmanship, contrasting with the men's ongoing handshake controversy. The Japan Times and AP News provide detailed accounts of the trophy refusal and Naqvi's defiant stance, including his denial of apologizing to the BCCI despite media reports. Gulf News offers a granular timeline of the delayed ceremony and the Indian team's symbolic celebration without the trophy, emphasizing the political undertones. Al Jazeera and The Independent focus on the match details and the political context, quoting Indian officials who explicitly link the refusal to accept the trophy to Naqvi's political role. Gulf News columnist Balaram Menon presents Pakistan captain Salman Agha's perspective, who views India's actions as disrespectful to cricket's spirit, adding nuance to the narrative. Together, these sources paint a comprehensive picture of a sporting event deeply entangled with political conflict, with contrasting views on the appropriateness and impact of the Indian team's protest.
How we got here
India and Pakistan have a long history of political tension, which spilled into cricket during the 2025 Asia Cup. The two nations met three times in the tournament, with India winning all matches. The refusal to accept the trophy from Naqvi reflects deep diplomatic strains following a military conflict in May 2025 and longstanding rivalry.
Go deeper
- Why did India refuse to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi?
- What role did political tensions play in the Asia Cup final?
- How might this affect future India-Pakistan cricket matches?
Common question
-
Why Did India Refuse to Accept the Asia Cup Trophy?
The recent Asia Cup cricket final between India and Pakistan ended with a surprising twist. Despite winning the match, India refused to accept the trophy, citing disrespect and political tensions. This incident has sparked widespread discussion about the impact of politics on sports and what it means for future tournaments. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this controversy and what it signifies for cricket and diplomacy in the region.
-
What Are the Recent Tensions Between India and Pakistan During the Asia Cup?
The recent Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan has been more than just a cricket match — it highlighted ongoing political tensions between the two nations. The refusal of India to accept the trophy and the delayed award ceremony have sparked widespread discussion about how sports reflect broader diplomatic conflicts. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this incident and what it means for international relations and sportsmanship today.
-
What Are the New US Tariffs and How Do They Affect You?
In October 2025, the US introduced a series of new tariffs on various imports, including pharmaceuticals, furniture, and heavy trucks. These tariffs aim to protect domestic industries but also raise questions about their impact on prices, trade relations, and the economy. If you're wondering how these tariffs might affect your wallet or business, read on for clear answers to the most common questions about this recent trade policy shift.
-
Why Did India Refuse to Accept the Asia Cup Trophy from Pakistan?
The recent Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan was more than just a cricket match — it became a symbol of ongoing political tensions between the two nations. India’s decision to refuse accepting the trophy from Pakistani officials highlights how sports can reflect deeper diplomatic issues. Many wonder what this act signifies for future cricket diplomacy and regional relations. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this controversial event and what it means for India-Pakistan relations.
-
What Are the Key Stories in Today's News?
Today's headlines cover a wide range of critical issues, from new US tariffs to escalating geopolitical tensions and economic shifts. Curious about how these stories connect and what they mean for your daily life? Below, we explore the biggest news stories, their implications, and what to watch for next.
-
Why Did India Refuse to Accept the Asia Cup Trophy?
The recent Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan was marred by controversy, with India refusing to accept the trophy after their victory. This incident has sparked widespread questions about the political tensions influencing sports. Why did India take this stand, and what does it reveal about the current state of Indo-Pak relations? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this event and what it means for cricket and diplomacy today.
-
What Are the Biggest News Stories Today?
Stay updated with the latest headlines shaping the world right now. From international trade tensions and political conflicts to health breakthroughs and food safety alerts, these stories are crucial to understanding today's news landscape. Curious about how these events connect or what they mean for you? Keep reading for clear, concise answers to your most pressing questions.
More on these topics
-
The India men's national cricket team represents India in international cricket. It is governed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and is a full member nation of the International Cricket Council with Test, One Day International and Twent
-
The Asian Cricket Council Asia Cup is a men's One Day International and Twenty20 International cricket tournament. It was established in 1983 when the Asian Cricket Council was founded as a measure to promote goodwill between Asian countries.
-
The Pakistan men's national cricket team represents Pakistan in international cricket. It is controlled by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the governing body for cricket in Pakistan, which is a Full Member of the International Cricket Council (ICC)...
-
Suryakumar Ashok Yadav is an Indian International cricketer who plays for India in the ODI and T20I format. He represents Mumbai in domestic cricket and plays for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.
-
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is the principal national governing body of the sport of cricket in India. Its headquarters are situated at the Cricket Centre in Wankhede Stadium in Churchgate, Mumbai. BCCI is the wealthiest governing...
-
The Asian Cricket Council also known as ACC is a cricket organisation which was established in 1983, to promote and develop the sport of cricket in Asia. Subordinate to the International Cricket Council, the council is the continent's regional administrat
-
India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the second-most populous country, the seventh-largest country by land area, and the most populous democracy in the world.
-
Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.
-
The Pakistan Cricket Board is a sports governing body for cricket in Pakistan responsible for controlling and organising all tours and matches undertaken by the Pakistan national cricket team.
-
Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai.
Located in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula on the coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai aims to be the business hub of Western Asia.