By Staff Reporter
Dubai — India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by five wickets to win the Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday night, but celebrations were marred by chaos as no trophy was presented to the champions.
Tilak Varma, the 21-year-old left-hander, anchored India’s tense chase of 147 with a calm, unbeaten 69 after an early top-order collapse. His knock, supported by Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube, sealed victory in the 19th over. Earlier, Kuldeep Yadav’s four-wicket spell triggered Pakistan’s batting implosion, restricting them to a below-par total.
Despite the thrilling cricket, the post-match proceedings descended into controversy. After individual medals and cheques were handed out, Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi abruptly left the venue, leaving the Indian players without the traditional champions’ trophy. The Pakistan team had already retreated to their dressing room by then.
Presentation Chaos
Confusion began around 11:00 PM when the presentation ceremony was delayed amid uncertainty over whether India would accept the trophy from Naqvi. Reports of simmering tensions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the ACC added fuel to speculation. Players from both teams were seen waiting on the field, while Naqvi engaged in hurried discussions at the centre.
By 12:08 AM, after medals were handed out, Naqvi and officials departed without presenting the trophy. The Indian team eventually posed for photographers without the silverware, cheered on by the sparse crowd that remained inside the stadium.
Reactions From the Field
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha admitted his side’s batting had let them down.
“It is a tough pill to swallow. We could not finish well in the batting… They bowled really well, outstandingly well. At one stage, I thought we had the game, but our batting remains a concern,” he said.
Tilak Varma, adjudged Player of the Match, remained composed in victory.
“It was a bit of pressure, but I wanted to stay calm and finish the game for my country. Samson and Dube’s knocks were crucial — credit goes to both of them,” Varma said.
Fans Left Stunned
The lack of a trophy presentation sparked outrage among supporters, many of whom took to social media calling for regular India-Pakistan fixtures to avoid such politicised controversies. For now, the match will be remembered as much for Varma’s maturity and Kuldeep’s guile as for the unprecedented absence of silverware on a historic night.
