Team India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, clinched the Asia Cup 2025 title in Dubai but was denied the winner’s trophy after Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi walked away with the silverware. The unusual incident sparked outrage, but Suryakumar Yadav’s calm yet powerful response won millions of hearts.
After Winning Asia Cup, Team India Did Not Take the Trophy
In a dramatic turn of events, India lifted the Asia Cup 2025 on the field but not in the presentation ceremony. Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s side defeated Pakistan in the final at Dubai International Stadium, yet the celebrations were overshadowed by a shocking controversy.
When the time came for the trophy handover, ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, walked away with the Asia Cup silverware. Known for his anti-India stance, Naqvi’s actions left Team India without a physical trophy despite their hard-fought victory.
Suryakumar Yadav Keeps His Cool
Despite the drama, Suryakumar Yadav chose grace over anger. Speaking to PTI after the match, the Indian skipper said:
“This is one thing which I have never seen since I started playing cricket, that a champion team is denied a trophy. That, too, a hard-earned one. It was not easy — we worked hard for this win.”
Yadav highlighted India’s commitment throughout the tournament, reminding everyone that the team had been in Dubai since early September, playing back-to-back matches to reach the final.
“My Real Trophies Are in the Dressing Room”
In what became the most quoted line of the night, Suryakumar Yadav declared that the real trophies were his teammates and support staff.
“If you tell me about trophies, my trophies are sitting in my dressing room — the 14 guys with me and the support staff. Those are the real trophies. These are the moments I will cherish forever.”
Later on social media, he shared a photo with teammate Tilak Varma holding an AI-generated Asia Cup 2025 trophy, turning disappointment into a symbolic celebration.
Clash with Pakistani Journalists
The controversy deepened during the post-match press conference. A Pakistani journalist accused Yadav of “mixing politics with cricket.” Surya, however, smiled and brushed it off, saying:
“You asked four questions in one. I don’t think I need to answer that.”
When another journalist asked if BCCI had directed India to refuse the trophy, Yadav clarified:
“I have no idea about any email. This was our call on the ground. No one told us to do this.”
Finally, when pressed again, he responded with a counter-question:
“If you win a tournament, you deserve the trophy, don’t you? You tell me.”
When the journalist agreed, Surya ended the discussion with: “That’s it. Your answer says it all.”
Social Media Applauds Surya’s Leadership
Fans across India hailed Suryakumar Yadav for his maturity, dignity, and leadership in handling a sensitive situation. Many praised him for valuing people over silverware, while others criticized the ACC for allowing such an incident to occur.
Cricket legends also weighed in, calling it an unprecedented moment in international cricket.