Dubai(The COW News Digital)In a highly unusual turn of events, the Asia Cup 2025 closing ceremony ended without the Indian cricket team receiving the tournament trophy, leaving players and fans stunned.
The incident took place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where India had been crowned champions but were left standing on the field as the tournament organizers concluded the ceremony and took the trophy away. According to sources, the Indian team was not presented with the trophy, medals, or the champions’ board, forcing them to pose for photos without any silverware.
Reports from Dubai suggest that the standoff began when the Indian team, reportedly on the instructions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi. This followed a series of tense moments between the Indian camp and the ACC during the tournament, including allegations of poor sportsmanship after the Indian players declined to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts and refused a customary pre-final photo with the Pakistan captain.
The situation escalated as Indian players insisted they would not leave the ground without the trophy, while stadium staff eventually turned off the floodlights, further heightening the drama. ACC officials, however, remained firm and left with the trophy.
Later, commentator and ceremony host Simon Doull confirmed on air that the ACC had officially informed him that the Indian team would not be accepting the trophy during the ceremony. This unprecedented decision has sparked intense debate among cricket fans and analysts, with many calling it one of the most dramatic endings to a cricket tournament in recent memory.
The incident has also reignited discussions about sportsmanship and diplomacy in high-stakes cricket matches, particularly between India and Pakistan. With this being the first Asia Cup final between the two sides, the controversy has overshadowed what was otherwise a historic occasion.
It remains unclear if the trophy will be handed to the Indian team at a later date, but sources indicate that the possibility of a formal handover now appears slim
