IND vs PAK / The team's refusal to accept the trophy was a 'nationalist drama', sparking controversy after the final

IND vs PAK: The Asia Cup 2025 final ended with a resounding victory for India, but the sheen of this victory was overshadowed by the high-voltage drama that unfolded after the match. After winning the tournament, the Indian cricket team flatly refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan's Sports Minister and President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). This move not only created a stir in the cricket world but also sparked a new political and social debate in India.

BCCI's stance: "National interest is paramount"

The BCCI strongly supported the Indian team's decision. In its statement, the board said, "Our team cannot accept the trophy from a person who has made statements promoting war against India. This decision has been taken in respect of our national sentiments and values." The BCCI's statement alluded to some of Mohsin Naqvi's past statements, which were considered controversial in India.

However, the BCCI did not clarify whether this decision was entirely the players' or a directive from the board. Some are calling this move motivated by patriotism, while others are calling it a mere publicity stunt.

Opposition's taunt: "Pure drama"

Shiv Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut sharply criticized the incident, calling it "nationalist drama." He shared a video from the start of the Asia Cup, in which Indian players are seen shaking hands and posing for photographs with Mohsin Naqvi. Raut said in his statement, "Just 15 days ago, at the start of the series, these people were joking with a Pakistani minister. Now, suddenly, they are acting nationalist in front of the cameras? If patriotism was in your blood, you wouldn't have taken the field with Pakistan."

Raut called it "pure drama," saying it was an attempt to mislead the Indian public. His statement sparked a new debate on social media, where some agreed with his views, while others called it an insult to the sentiments of the Indian team.

AAP's allegation: "New script, old game"

Saurabh Bhardwaj, Delhi president of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), also weighed in on the issue. Sharing the same video, he claimed that the Indian players had no problems at the beginning of the tournament, but were given a "new script" after growing protests in India. Bhardwaj said, "At first, they posed for photos with Mohsin Naqvi and shook hands, but when protests escalated in India, the players were asked to stage a new drama to spread propaganda."

BJP's counterattack: "How dare you?"

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya responded sharply to Saurabh Bhardwaj's statement. Sharing a video of Bhardwaj, he wrote, "Arvind Kejriwal's clown, a worthless AAP MLA, challenged the Indian captain to donate his match fee to the armed forces to help the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Our captain gave a brilliant response."

Malviya shared a video of Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, in which he announced his intention to donate his match fees to the Indian Armed Forces. This move was widely praised by BJP supporters, but the opposition called it a "sponsored drama."

Public Debate

More than the Asia Cup victory, this incident has sparked a new debate in India. People on social media are divided into two groups. One side considers the Indian team and BCCI's decision a symbol of patriotism, while the other side calls it a mere political stunt. Some fans say cricket should be kept away from politics, while others believe that national honor cannot be compromised.

Just 15 days ago, at the start of the series, they were shaking hands and smiling for photos with Pakistan’s minister Mohsin Naqvi.
And now? Full-on nationalist drama for the cameras!
If patriotism was truly in your blood, you wouldn’t have even stepped on the field with… pic.twitter.com/jX81sfdMx2

— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) September 29, 2025

The two-penny AAP MLA, clown of Arvind Kejriwal, had the audacity to challenge Team India’s captain to donate his match fee to the Armed Forces in support of the Pahalgam terror attack victims.

Our captain responded in style. pic.twitter.com/Q1ZegAN4JP

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) September 29, 2025