Suryakumar Yadav and the Indian team are reportedly unlikely to accept the trophy from PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi if India wins the Asia Cup 2025, due to ongoing diplomatic tensions and a public stance on recent security and protocol controversies between India and Pakistan.
Background and Reason
- Several credible reports indicate the Indian team does not plan to share the presentation dais with Mohsin Naqvi, who currently serves as both PCB Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President, should India win the tournament on September 28.
- The decision stems from a recent post-match incident where Suryakumar Yadav and his team avoided handshakes with Pakistan players, expressing solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and following subsequent escalations between the cricket boards.
- The controversy has generated formal protests from the PCB and requests for intervention by the ACC and ICC regarding post-match conduct.
Presentation Ceremony Implications
- Traditionally, the ACC President (this year the PCB Chief) presents the winner’s trophy, but as per current reports, the Indian players have resolved not to accept it from Naqvi, and will avoid the shared stage.
- This diplomatic snub is likely to be a strong statement amid ongoing tensions, and may force changes to the final’s presentation protocol if India secures victory.
Broader Context
- Relations between the cricket boards and current squads remain strained following repeated incidents in the tournament, with the ‘handshake row’ escalating political undertones in the Asia Cup.
- The move by Suryakumar Yadav’s India has provoked criticism and official complaints from the PCB, as well as wider reaction across cricketing and fan circles.
This development, if it occurs, will be a highly visible diplomatic gesture by the Indian team and is already attracting significant attention in sports and news media.
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