Tilak Varma revealed details of India’s trophy standoff with ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi in Dubai.
Dubai
Nearly a month after India’s triumphant win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final, the team is yet to receive the championship trophy. The controversy stems from India’s refusal to accept the silverware from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairperson and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi, leading to a prolonged standoff that has left the trophy gathering dust at the ACC headquarters in Dubai.
India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the final at the Dubai International Stadium on September 28. However, post-match celebrations were overshadowed by a tense behind-the-scenes exchange. Speaking on Breakfast with Champions, Tilak Varma, who was named Player of the Match for his 69-run knock, finally revealed what happened that night.
“We were actually waiting on the ground for an hour. The presentation was delayed, and we kept thinking the trophy would come any moment. But it never arrived,” Tilak said, adding that players like Arshdeep Singh and Abhishek Sharma lightened the mood by making reels and staging mock celebrations with an imaginary trophy.
According to reports, India’s management refused to accept the cup from Naqvi, and the ACC chief declined to delegate the presentation. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently wrote to the ACC demanding the handover, but Pakistan’s Interior Minister responded that the trophy would only be given if an Indian official came to Dubai to collect it personally.
Despite the diplomatic standoff, India’s unbeaten run through the tournament — including three wins over Pakistan — remains a proud moment. “We celebrated anyway,” Tilak said. “Trophy or not, the victory was ours.”