The Indian men’s cricket team celebrated with an imaginary trophy after being denied the Asia Cup winner’s prize despite a five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final in Dubai on Sunday.
Tilak Varma’s unbeaten half-century guided India to its third win over Pakistan in the tournament and secured a record ninth continental title.
Post-match proceedings turned chaotic. Pakistan players delayed the presentation ceremony for more than an hour after the final ball. India, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, then refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council president and Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
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Once the ceremony ended, the Indian players celebrated instead with the champion’s banner. Adding a touch of humour, Suryakumar carried an “imaginary” trophy and mimicked Rohit Sharma’s slow walk from last year’s T20 World Cup final.
India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav playfully pretends to hold the trophy as his teammates celebrate their victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final.
| Photo Credit:
AFP
India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav playfully pretends to hold the trophy as his teammates celebrate their victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final.
| Photo Credit:
AFP
The squad followed up with mock trophy lifts for the fans and cameras before resuming celebrations in the dressing room. Several players later shared photoshopped images of themselves holding a trophy on social media.
At the post-match press conference, Suryakumar expressed disbelief at the snub. “This is one thing which I have never seen since I started playing and following cricket. That a champion team is denied a trophy, that too a hard-earned one. I feel we deserved it, and I can’t say anything more. My trophies are sitting in my dressing room, all the 14 guys with me, all the support staff, those are the real trophies,” he said.
Published on Sep 29, 2025
