'Pakistan won't win it by taking back trophy': India all-rounder lashes out over Asia Cup controversy

The 2025 Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan ended on a controversial note, as the Indian cricket team refused to accept the trophy from ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and PCB chief.

The Men in Blue instead focused on their historic victory, leaving Pakistan with the embarrassment of an empty-handed finale.

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Indian all-rounder Rahul Tewatia said the team is not concerned about the trophy and emphasized the importance of their win.

“As far as the trophy is concerned, based on what we heard and saw, we didn't get the trophy. Our players and management were waiting. We found out that the trophy wasn't given. The players were made to wait for a long time, and the trophy was taken back. They went to play cricket and won the final. In history, the name of the person who won the final is often recorded, regardless of whether the trophy was awarded or not," he told ANI.

Explaining that it was not India's trouble to deal with, he added, "They didn't give us the trophy. That's their headache. India won the final. By taking the trophy back, the Pakistan team have not won it,” Tewatia said.

The Men in Blue had also refrained from shaking hands with the Pakistani team throughout the tournament, including the group stage and Super Fours, citing strained relations following the Pahalgam terror attack.

During the toss of the final, neither India captain Suryakumar Yadav nor Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha initiated a handshake, further escalating tensions.

On the decision to skip the post-match handshake, Tewatia added, “It was the team's and the management's decision not to do the handshake. Regardless of the circumstances, as an Indian, we should support that decision. We shouldn't think differently about the team's and management's decision. They made the best decision at that time.”

The controversy intensified after an ACC meeting, with BCCI officials expressing dissatisfaction with Naqvi’s handling of the trophy presentation.

Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Indonesia reportedly supported India’s stance, while Naqvi insisted that the trophy should be collected personally.

The India-Pakistan rivalry continues in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, with the Indian women’s team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, boasting a perfect 11-0 record against Pakistan in ODIs.

The Women in Blue will face Pakistan on Sunday at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium. Team India is set to repeat what was done by the men's side and not shake hands when they come against their rivals on Sunday.

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