India Clinch Asia Cup 2025 Title Amid Trophy Row in Dubai

Team India lifted the Asia Cup 2025 in dramatic fashion on Sunday, defeating Pakistan by five wickets in the final at the Dubai International Stadium. However, their post-match celebrations took an unusual turn after a trophy-related controversy.

Chasing a modest target of 147, India stumbled early at 20/3 in the powerplay as Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and captain Suryakumar Yadav all fell cheaply. The innings was steadied by Tilak Varma, who played a composed match-winning knock of 69 not out, supported by Shivam Dube’s valuable 33. Together, they ensured India crossed the finish line with plenty of time to spare.

But the victory scenes were overshadowed off the field. The Indian players declined to accept the trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi, citing his repeated anti-India remarks. In a bizarre twist, Naqvi left the presentation with the trophy, leaving the Indian team to celebrate with an “imaginary cup” using emojis and the national flag instead.

The dramatic finale not only sealed another Asia Cup crown for India but also sparked a fresh controversy in the cricketing world, adding tension to an already high-stakes rivalry.