Asia Cup final presentation (Source:@KultureCircuit/X.com)
India have won the Asia Cup 2025 by beating Pakistan in the final by five wickets. It was a thrilling encounter with momentum swinging from one team to another throughout the match, but it was India who finally got over the line in the final over.
There were passionate celebrations from the Indian players, but it was not over the top, while the Pakistan players were gutted. However, the real drama started after the match as Indian players refused to take the trophy from PCB chairman and ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi.
India Continue Strict Stance Against Pakistan After Asia Cup Win
The gesture is seen as India's reply to the Pahalgam terror attack and the hostilities that followed between the two countries in May 2025. Throughout the tournament, the tension between the players from both sides and the boards was evident. It started with Indian players not shaking hands with their Pakistan counterparts after the group stage match and PCB then lodged a formal complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft. They demanded the removal of match referee but the demand was turned down.
The Indian captain also did not shy away from mentioning 'Operation Sindoor' and the Pahalgam terror attack in his post-match comments. Pakistan players then came up with political gestures on the field, which did not go well with India, and eventually, the Indian captain, Suryakumar Yadav and Haris Rauf were fined.
India, though, dominated on the field and won all the three matches against Pakistan, with the final turning out to be a close contest. India were chasing the target of 147 after electing to bowl first, and after early jitters, they managed to clinch the game courtesy an unbeaten 69 from Tilak Varma.
Overall, the win and the decision not to take a trophy from the PCB chairman is a strong message from India of their cricket dominance and zero tolerance towards terrorism.
.jpg?type=mq "PM Modi congratulates India")
