India had to wait longer than usual to celebrate their Asia Cup 2025 triumph after beating Pakistan by five wickets in the final on Sunday, September 28. Rinku Singh struck the winning runs just before midnight, but the trophy ceremony was delayed by more than an hour.
The chairman of the PCB, Mohsin Naqvi was standing at the stage and the Indian players were waiting in the field too. The delay occurred due to the fact that it took the Pakistan team a long time to exit their dressing room following the loss.
At last, skipper Salman Agha led out his side, and was booed by the crowd. It did not start until around 1:15 AM IST, when senior commentator Simon Doull gave the ceremony as India was crowned Asia Cup winners nine times.
The Player of the Match in the Asia Cup 2025 final was Tilak Varma who composed himself with a 69 off 53 in the final. He narrowed down Kuldeep Yadav who had bowled brilliantly with figures of 4/30 by leading India in a tricky chase under pressure.
His innings stood out as India had lost three wickets early in the chase. Tilak held his nerve, built partnerships with Sanju Samson (24) and Shivam Dube (33), and stayed unbeaten to take India over the line with two balls to spare.
India Declines to Accept Asia Cup Trophy from PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi
However, the presentation ceremony was abruptly stopped before India could receive the Asia Cup trophy. The Indian fans were eager to see their favorite team win the championship after the individual prizes were presented and congratulations were given to Pakistan. Doull did, however, declare that India has no intention of winning the Asia Cup.
“I have been informed by the ACC that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight. So that does conclude the post-match presentation,” informed Doull.
India has taken yet another unusual action by declining to accept the award from Pakistani minister and chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Mohsin Naqvi, after declining to shake hands with the Pakistani players during the competition.
