India’s Asia Cup 2025 fixtures against Pakistan were never short of controversy. From the group stage to the Super Four clash and even the final, heated moments surrounded every match. India eventually beat Pakistan in the final on Sunday to lift the Asia Cup title, but the controversies did not end there.
In the group stage, India’s players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts after the match. Even during the toss, skipper Suryakumar Yadav avoided a handshake with Salman Ali Agha. The same stance continued in the Super Four stage.
The final became more dramatic when India refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi.
Suryakumar’s Response to Pakistani Journalist
After the win, India captain Suryakumar Yadav and opener Abhishek Sharma attended the post-match press conference. A Pakistani journalist questioned the skipper, asking if he was the first captain in cricket’s history to bring politics into the sport.
The journalist said, “You became the champion today and played a good game. But my question is that in this entire tournament, your behaviour towards the Pakistan cricket team, you didn’t shake hands and didn’t do the photo session for the trophy. Then you held a political press conference. Do you think that in the history of cricket, you are the first captain who has brought politics into the game of cricket?”
At first, Suryakumar seemed surprised. He asked with a smile, “Bolna hai ya nahi bolna hai? (Should I answer or should I not answer?).”
Pakistani reporter crying in press conference. This is what we wanted 🤣🤣👇#AsiaCupFinal pic.twitter.com/J7VQXv7U6n
— Amit Kumar Sindhi (@AMIT_GUJJU) September 28, 2025
He then trolled the reporter, laughing and saying, “Gussa ho rahe ho aap (you are getting angry).” His witty remark left the room in splits and shut down the tense question in style.
India’s Stance Against Mohsin Naqvi
Suryakumar also clarified that the decision to snub Mohsin Naqvi during the trophy presentation was not taken by the BCCI. Instead, it was a call made by the players themselves after the final.
The players insisted they would not accept the trophy from Naqvi, who had earlier made objectionable remarks about India in connection with “Operation Sindoor.” This decision delayed the presentation ceremony and added to the controversy.
A Controversial Yet Historic Win
Despite the drama, India celebrated their victory over Pakistan with pride. The team avoided handshakes, refused photo ops, and even mocked the trophy incident with edited pictures on social media.
Suryakumar’s sharp reply in the press conference has now gone viral, adding another chapter to the fiery India-Pakistan rivalry.
The Asia Cup 2025 will be remembered not only for India’s thrilling win but also for the controversies that kept fans talking long after the final ball was bowled.
