 "Mohsin Naqvi handed over the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 trophy to Pakistan team on Sunday. Image: Cricbuzz")
A major trophy fiasco was avoided when India A failed to qualify for the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025, as it was Asian Cricket Council (ACC) head Mohsin Naqvi who was once again back to hand over the winners’ trophy on Sunday. Naqvi was also the chief guest during the Asia Cup 2025 final on 28 September when India defeated Pakistan by five wickets.
As India decided to boycott Pakistan’s interior minister at the podium, Naqvi refused to hand over the trophy to Suryakumar Yadav, leaving the stadium in anger and taking the silverware with him. The trophy has since been locked in the ACC Dubai Sports City office.
There were fears that a similar controversy could transpire if India A and Pakistan A qualify for the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 final. But India lost to Bangladesh A in the semi-finals, while Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka in the last four contest.
On Sunday, Pakistan A went on to beat Bangladesh A in a Super Over in the final to clinch the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025. At the post-match ceremony, it was Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) president Naqvi who handed over the trophy to captain Irfan Khan.
India-Pakistan fans clash on social media
A Pakistani fan handle used the video of Naqvi handing over the trophy to Irfan to take a dig at India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
“Getting the trophy handed over by Mohsin Naqvi, still a dream for someone,” a handle by the name @ReplaysPCT wrote on X.
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View AllThe video and the caption sparked a social media war between India and Pakistan fans. The Indian cricket team fans slammed Naqvi and the Pakistan team by reminding them of India’s dominance in the Asia Cup.
Meanwhile, the BCCI and PCB are currently engaged in a dialogue mediated by the Jay Shah-led International Cricket Council (ICC) to bring an end to the trophy controversy.