DUBAI: Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri voiced his frustration over the delayed presentation ceremony following India’s win against Pakistan in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Something wrong with the presentation ceremony.
India may be doesn’t want to take the Trophy from ACC and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi #INDvsPAK #INDvPAK #AsiaCupT20 pic.twitter.com/qSpanv7ZoD— Devendra (@Devendra786s) September 28, 2025
During a discussion with former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram on an Indian sports platform, Shastri openly criticised the lengthy wait before the post-match proceedings.
“The crowd is there, making noise, the atmosphere is worthy of a final, and yet we hang around for 45 minutes not knowing what’s happening. It’s ridiculous,” Shastri remarked.
India’s cricket team courted controversy at the final on Sunday, refusing to accept the winners’ trophy from Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister.
Closing ceremony
The delay stemmed from a brief stand-off between the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the Indian team, after India refused to accept the silverware from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi.
The closing ceremony, which was to include representatives from all eight participating teams, commenced after a delay of around an hour.
Individual honours were still awarded during the event: India’s Kuldeep Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Tilak Varma were recognised for their performances in the final, while Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha accepted the prize money for finishing as runners-up.
Later, Kuldeep Yadav was named Best Bowler of the Tournament, and left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma was awarded Player of the Tournament.
Post-match presentation
However, the ceremony concluded without the Indian team collecting the trophy, with presenter Simon Doull stating: “I have been informed by the ACC that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight. So that does conclude the post-match presentation.”
The delay was due to India’s refusal to receive the trophy from Naqvi, reportedly acting on instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). ACC President Naqvi, however, stood his ground and refused to step aside.
India eventually sealed the Asia Cup 2025 title with a hard-fought five-wicket triumph over their arch-rivals Pakistan, claiming their ninth continental championship.
