Indian Team Faces Backlash Over Trophy Refusal in Asia Cup Final

Karachi: Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has strongly criticized the Indian cricket team for refusing to receive the Asia Cup 2025 trophy.

In a post on social media platform X, Latif said that the Indian team’s refusal to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi constitutes a clear case for suspension.

He added that had this incident occurred in any other sport, immediate action would have been taken. However, since several top ICC officials, including the Chairman, CEO, CFO, Commercial Head, and Head of Events, are Indian, the chances of suspension are slim.

Calling it a dark day for cricket, Latif stated that India openly violated the spirit of the game and the values of the “gentlemen’s sport,” stressing that strict accountability is necessary.

During the award ceremony, which was delayed by an hour despite the presence of all eight participating teams, the Indian players refused to accept either the medals or the trophy.

Individual awards were handed to India’s Kuldeep Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Tilak Varma for outstanding performances, while Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha collected the runners-up prize money. Kuldeep Yadav was named Best Bowler, and Abhishek Sharma was declared Player of the Tournament.

India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the final to claim their ninth Asia Cup title.