India’s Asia Cup 2025 triumph still feels incomplete—and now, young star Tilak Varma has added a human, heartbreaking detail to the ongoing trophy controversy. In a recent interview, Varma revealed that the Indian team waited for over an hour after their victory in Colombo, expecting to lift the coveted silverware—only to be told it had already been taken away by Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi.
“We Waited an Hour… But the Trophy Never Came”
“We were all dressed, ready for the photos, standing near the podium,” Varma shared, his voice tinged with disappointment. “We waited almost an hour. Then someone told us the trophy had been handed to Mr. Naqvi and wasn’t coming back.”
For a young player making his mark on the continental stage, the moment should have been career-defining—a memory to cherish forever. Instead, India’s celebration was muted, their victory photo taken with a replica or no trophy at all, sparking widespread confusion among fans and media alike.
The Diplomatic Standoff Deepens
Despite repeated requests from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Naqvi has refused to release the trophy unless an Indian official personally collects it from Dubai—where the ACC headquarters is located. This condition has been seen by many as politically charged, especially given the tense backdrop of India-Pakistan relations.
Cricket analysts argue that such protocols are unprecedented. “In every previous ICC or ACC event, the winning team receives the trophy on the field or within 24 hours,” said former selector Saba Karim. “This delay—and the conditions attached—turn a sporting achievement into a bureaucratic tug-of-war.”
Public Outcry and Fan Frustration
Indian fans have expressed outrage on social media, with hashtags like #GiveIndiaTheTrophy and #WhereIsOurCup trending for days. Memes juxtaposing India’s on-field dominance with their off-field trophy-less celebration have gone viral, underscoring the absurdity of the situation.
Timeline of the Asia Cup Trophy Controversy
- Sept 28, 2025: India wins Asia Cup 2025 by defeating Sri Lanka in Colombo.
- Post-match: Team waits over 60 minutes—trophy never presented.
- Oct 5: BCCI sends formal request for immediate handover.
- Oct 18: Naqvi states trophy will only be released in Dubai to an Indian representative.
- Oct 25, 2025: Trophy still not with Team India; controversy escalates.
What This Means for Cricket’s Spirit
At its core, cricket is a game of respect, tradition, and celebration. Withholding a trophy—especially from a team that earned it through skill and sweat—undermines that spirit. As Tilak Varma’s candid account shows, it’s not just about metal and silver; it’s about recognition, closure, and national pride.
Will the Trophy Ever Reach India?
Sources within the BCCI suggest they may send a low-profile official to Dubai to retrieve it, purely to end the saga. But many believe the damage is already done: a historic win has been overshadowed by politics, and a young player’s dream moment remains incomplete.