IND vs PAK Final: U19 Asia Cup Final: Will India Refuse Trophy Again? Precedent Set by Senior Team's Handshake Snub

The U19 Asia Cup 2025 Final, a highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, is scheduled to take place on December 21 in Dubai. While the cricketing world eagerly awaits the outcome of this high-stakes encounter, a significant question has emerged, casting a shadow over the post-match ceremony: will the Indian team accept the trophy if they emerge victorious? This query stems from a notable incident 84 days prior, on September 28, 2025, when the senior Indian. Team, after defeating Pakistan in the Asia Cup Final in the UAE, controversially refused to accept the trophy. That trophy reportedly remains at the Asian Cricket Council headquarters in Dubai to this day, setting a unique precedent.

The Senior Team's Unprecedented Refusal

In September 2025, following India's triumph in the Senior Asia Cup Final, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav made a decisive move by outright refusing to accept the trophy. This decision sent ripples across the cricketing fraternity, sparking widespread debate about the intersection of sports and politics. Yadav's stance wasn't an isolated act; the entire Indian team stood in solidarity with their captain, reinforcing the collective nature of their decision. This unprecedented refusal highlighted a deep-seated sentiment within the team, making it clear that their actions were driven by factors beyond the immediate sporting context.

Mohsin Naqvi's Controversial Dual Role

At the heart of the senior team's refusal was the involvement of Mohsin Naqvi. Naqvi held multiple significant positions: he was the President of the Asian Cricket Council, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, and crucially, a minister in the Pakistan government, while suryakumar Yadav and the Indian team were reportedly unwilling to accept the trophy from a Pakistani official, particularly a government minister, in the aftermath of a terror attack in Pahalgam. This situation presented a profound ethical dilemma for the Indian side, as they didn't wish to engage in a symbolic gesture of acceptance from a representative of the Pakistani government under such sensitive circumstances. Naqvi's dual role as a political figure and a cricket administrator became the focal point of contention.

Junior Team Mirroring Senior Actions

This U19 Asia Cup Final marks the second encounter between India and Pakistan in the tournament. Earlier, during the group stage match, Indian U19 players notably didn't shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. This incident drew immediate parallels to the senior team's actions and suggested a pattern of the junior players emulating their seniors. The refusal to shake hands in the group stage has intensified speculation that a similar stance might be adopted in the final, particularly concerning the trophy presentation. The question now looms larger: will the U19 team follow their seniors' lead not only in refusing handshakes but also in declining the trophy?

Will the U19 Asia Cup Trophy Be Refused?

This question persists because there is a strong possibility that Mohsin Naqvi himself might be present to award the U19 Asia Cup trophy. If this scenario unfolds, the U19 Indian team will face the exact same predicament that confronted the senior team. While junior cricket is often seen as a platform for fostering sportsmanship and camaraderie, free from. Political influence, the current geopolitical climate and the precedent set by the senior team challenge this ideal. The decision of these young players will be closely watched, as it could either. Reinforce the senior team's stance or carve a different path for junior sports diplomacy.

ICC's Stance on Sports and Politics

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has consistently advocated for keeping cricket, especially at the junior level, separate from political considerations. Media reports indicate that the ICC has issued directives to both the Indian and Pakistani teams, urging them to uphold the spirit of the game and maintain decorum. However, the incident in the group stage, where Indian U19 players refrained from shaking hands with Pakistani players, suggests that political tensions are indeed permeating the cricketing arena, potentially impacting the fundamental principles of sportsmanship. The ICC's efforts to depoliticize the sport face a significant test in this upcoming final.

Anticipation Beyond the Match

The outcome of the U19 Asia Cup Final in Dubai will undoubtedly be significant, but the anticipation surrounding the post-match ceremony is arguably even greater. All eyes will be on December 21, not just for the thrilling contest on the field, but for the events that will unfold once the final ball is bowled. Will the Indian U19 team, if victorious, accept the trophy, or? Will they create another historic moment by following the senior team's precedent? This decision will send a powerful message, not only within the cricketing world but. Also in the broader geopolitical context, shaping narratives about sports, diplomacy, and national sentiment.