India claimed a hard-fought victory against Pakistan in the final of the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday in Dubai, concluding their campaign unbeaten. However, tensions off the field overshadowed India's big win. The post‑match presentation was mired in controversy, with India refusing to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who is the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and also serves as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Reacting to India's stance, Pakistan captain Salman Agha criticised the Indian team for what he described as disappointing behaviour during the post-match formalities on Sunday. Notably, India players avoided contact with their Pakistan counterparts throughout the tournament.
"What India have done in this tournament is very disappointing. They're not disrespecting us by not shaking hands; they're disrespecting cricket. Good teams don't do what they did today. We went to pose with the trophy on our own because we wanted to fulfill our obligations. We stood there and took our medals. I don't want to use harsh words, but they've been very disrespectful," Agha said at the press conference following the final.
Agha felt that at some point this kind of thing should stop.
"This is the first time I've ever seen this happen. Whatever happened in this tournament was very bad, and I hope it stops at some stage because it's really bad. Everything that happened today was a consequence of all that happened. Of course the ACC president will give the trophy to the winners. If you won't take the trophy from him, how will you get it?" he said.
In the Asia Cup 2025, all three meetings between India and Pakistan were marred by controversies. India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha at the toss and after matches. This was seen repeatedly in group-stage and Super Four matches. In the Super Four game, Haris Rauf was seen making gestures that mimicked a fighter jet being shot down and also a “6‑0” hand sign. Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan in the Super Four game celebrated his fifty by raising his bat in a manner likened to firing a gun.