Visuals from the Asia Cup win celebration
Credit: PTI, Reuters Photos
As the Asia Cup 2025 concluded on Sunday, with Team India being crowned champions, the season was no short of a drama-fest, from the Pakistani players being booed by Indian fans to the post-match presentation being delayed. Here are five moments which escalated the on and off-field tensions between the two teams — an infamous match for the books.
Two toss presenters to speak with the captains of India and Pakistan
In a first, captains spoke to different presenters at the toss after the Pakistan Cricket Board insisted on a neutral person.
Credit: X/@Cricketracker
For the first time in the history of the sport, the toss interview was conducted by two speakers, as the Pakistan Cricket Board requested a neutral presenter. Former cricketer Ravi Shastri, who had conducted the previous two India-Pakistan tournaments' toss presentations in the series, was accompanied by Waqar Younis for the snap interview.
Bumrah's 'crashing plane' send-off
Jasprit Bumrah in action after dismissing Haris Rauf.
Credit: X/@Shubham_Neuro
As Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Haris Rauf, he gestured a plane landing as a response to Rauf's earlier sign of "flight" that earned him a 30 per cent match fee fine from the International Cricket Council (ICC). The two gestures continue to make rounds on social media, as Bumrah's sign seen as one of "personal justice".
Salman Ali Agha throwing the runners-up cheque
Salman Ali Agha
Credit: X/@ImMoss0
In another dramatic moment, Pakistan cricket team's captain Salman Ali Agha was seen throwing away the runners-up cheque during the post-match presentation. As ACC representative Aminul Islam awarded the prize, he threw it off the dais as he walked out amid booing from the crowd.
Indian team refusing to accept the trophy
Asian Cricket Council and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi (second from right) before the trophy presentation.
Credit: Reuters Photo
As the winners celebrated their victory, Team India refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief and Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. After a delayed post-match ceremony, an ACC statement was announced, stating that the Indian team will not be receiving the trophy during the ceremony.
Mohsin Naqvi walking away with the Asia Cup trophy
India players celebrate winning the Asia Cup during the presentation ceremony.
Credit: Reuters Photo
As the fans chanted "Bharat Mata ki Jai," and the ACC announcement of the Indian team not collecting their trophy, Mohsin Naqvi walked away with the trophy. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, in an interview, confirmed that it was disappointing, "It was a hard-earned victory. We’ve been here since the 4th, and played two back-to-back games. I feel we deserved it."
"The win is important. Asia Cup 2025 Champions — that’s written on every board. The world knows we won. What more can we ask for?" he added.
But, in a moment of pride, he said, "My trophies are sitting in the dressing room — all 14 players, the support staff. Those are the real trophies."