Where is the Asia Cup Trophy now? Let us see how the events unfolded since the Final
The mystery of the missing Asia Cup 2025 trophy has deepened. Weeks after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi was seen walking away with the silverware in Colombo, the trophy’s official handover remains in limbo. Fans across Asia are asking the same question — where exactly is the Asia Cup trophy now?
Here are a few updates on the Asia Cup trophy.
- Mohsin Naqvi denies apologising to BCCI; says he is ready to hand over the trophy when India agrees to collect it. [TOI]
- Harbhajan Singh says Naqvi “isn’t big enough to decide who gets the trophy” and calls the move disgraceful. [LiveMint]
- Shahid Afridi criticises Naqvi for “mixing cricket with politics”, urging him to focus solely on the PCB role. [Economic Times]
- Naqvi to receive Pakistan’s Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Excellence Gold Medal for his defiance in the trophy saga. [Economic Times]
- India’s players celebrate with an “imaginary trophy” after refusing to accept the real one from Naqvi. [TalkSport]
TIMELINE: 2025 Asia Cup Trophy Controversy -
September 29, 2025 — The Final
India defeated Pakistan convincingly in the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai. However, controversy erupted when PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior / Home Minister, took possession of the Asia Cup trophy and allegedly refused to hand it over to the Indian team during the presentation ceremony.
The broadcast feed cut abruptly after India’s victory, and post-match celebrations turned chaotic. The Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, refused to accept the trophy directly from Naqvi — citing “protocol breaches.”
September 30 — The Asia Cup Trophy "Taken Away"
Footage surfaced of Mohsin Naqvi leaving the Gaddafi Stadium with the trophy in hand. Social media in Pakistan celebrated the act, while Indian fans and media termed it “trophy hijacking”.
Naqvi later claimed he was merely “taking it for safekeeping”.
Meanwhile, Indian players symbolically celebrated with an imaginary trophy, videos of which went viral across platforms.
October 1 — Shoaib Malik & Basit Ali Defend Naqvi
I told Mohsin Naqvi not to hand the trophy to India. They may be the No.1 team, but their actions were third-rate...
— Basit Ali, Former Cricketer
This will haunt them — India will regret refusing to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi.......
— Basit Ali, Former Cricketer
I never apologised to the BCCI. I’m ready to hand over the trophy whenever they want — the trophy belongs to the winners...
— Mohsin Naqvi, PCB Chaiman
October 2 — India Lodges Formal Complaint
The BCCI formally complained to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), demanding the immediate return of the trophy and medals.
The ACC reportedly reached out to Naqvi, who responded that India could “collect the trophy from the ACC headquarters in Colombo.”
October 3 — Political Reactions in Pakistan
Naqvi’s defiance was praised by some Pakistani officials, framing it as a “matter of national pride”. Reports surfaced that Naqvi might receive a national honour for standing his ground.
At the same time, Shahid Afridi broke ranks, urging Naqvi to “keep politics out of cricket”, saying the trophy controversy was embarrassing for Pakistan.
October 4 — Harbhajan Singh Fires Back
Indian legend Harbhajan Singh criticised Naqvi, saying:
“He’s not big enough to decide whether India should get the trophy. India won — it’s a fact.”
This statement drew attention from both Indian and Pakistani fans, reigniting social media debate.
October 5 — Pakistan Announces Naqvi’s Honour
The Pakistani government confirmed that Naqvi would be awarded the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Excellence Gold Medal for his “unwavering stance”.
International media outlets widely reported the irony — that Pakistan was honouring a man for not handing over a trophy.
October 6, 2025 — Current Status
Naqvi reiterated that he is “ready to hand over the trophy” but only through official channels.
The BCCI has refused the offer, stating India won’t “collect a trophy from someone’s office”
The Asia Cup 2025 trophy remains with the PCB in Lahore as of now.
Final Verdict :
The Asia Cup 2025 may be over, but the trophy controversy is still making more noise than the final itself. Whether it’s in a cabinet in Lahore or locked up at the ACC office, the saga has become a symbol of the rivalry that refuses to rest. One thing’s for sure — cricket fans won’t stop asking, “Where’s the trophy?” anytime soon.
