KARACHI – The Asia Cup 2025 final between Pakistan and India turned into more than just a sporting contest. What should have been a night of cricketing celebration ended in political controversy, accusations, and a shocking trophy dispute.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi strongly criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for mixing politics with sports. According to Naqvi, India’s refusal to accept the trophy was not a cricketing decision but a political move ordered by Modi himself.
Speaking to media, Mohsin Naqvi accused Modi of desperation, saying that dragging war references into cricket damages the true spirit of the game. He reminded India that history had already recorded their defeat at the hands of Pakistan and that no match could erase this reality.
The controversy began when Prime Minister Modi congratulated India’s team on their victory with a post on X (formerly Twitter). While celebrating, he linked the win to “#OperationSindoor,” a military reference that quickly went viral and sparked heated reactions across both nations.
In response, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) formally informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) of their refusal to receive the trophy. The organizers then withdrew the trophy from the stage, leaving the presentation incomplete. Medals were also left undistributed, adding to the chaos.
This unprecedented development has raised serious questions about the future of cricketing ties between Pakistan and India. Analysts believe that mixing politics with sports could further strain relations, making future tournaments even more complicated.
The Asia Cup 2025 final will not only be remembered for its on-field drama but also for the off-field controversy that overshadowed the game.
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