India’s emphatic victory in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan was overshadowed by an unprecedented controversy after skipper Suryakumar Yadav revealed that the team never received the championship trophy.

The post-match presentation ceremony, delayed by more than an hour, ended without the customary celebrations, leaving players and fans stunned. Speaking to the media, Suryakumar said, “For a champion team to be denied the trophy is something unheard of. We played two intense games in two days, and the boys deserved recognition. It was disappointing.”

Despite the controversy, Suryakumar praised his squad and support staff, calling them the “real trophies” of the campaign. He added, “If you ask me, I already have 14 trophies in my dressing room — those are my players and staff. The memories we created in this Asia Cup will stay forever.”

In a heartfelt gesture, the captain announced he would donate his match fees from the tournament to the Indian Armed Forces and families affected by the recent Pahalgam terror attack, reaffirming solidarity with the nation.

According to sources, the row stemmed from the Indian team’s refusal to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and PCB chief. India reportedly sought to receive the silverware from Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni, but Naqvi rejected the request. When Naqvi appeared on stage, the Indian team declined to accept the trophy, which was then quietly removed from the venue.

What should have been a night of celebration instead ended in diplomatic drama, raising fresh questions about cricket governance and the intersection of politics with sport in South Asia.

India, however, celebrated its ninth Asia Cup title on the field, with Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 and strong bowling displays sealing victory over Pakistan — even if the trophy itself never reached their hands.