India’s stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav has reportedly made an unusual request ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final — if India emerges as the champion, he does not want to receive the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who currently holds dual roles as chairman of both the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
According to a report by NDTV, the request has been officially communicated to the ACC. The development adds another layer to the already tense India–Pakistan cricketing dynamic, where symbolism and gestures often attract as much attention as the cricket itself.
The controversy traces back to the tournament’s start, when Yadav shook hands with Naqvi during the trophy unveiling ceremony. What seemed like a routine act soon snowballed into criticism back home, with some Indian fans and commentators questioning the optics of the gesture given the charged political backdrop.
Yadav’s cautious approach has since been noticeable. In the recent high-voltage group-stage clash between India and Pakistan, he skipped the customary handshake with rival skipper Salman Ali Agha at the toss. After guiding India to victory with a match-winning shot, he headed straight to the dressing room, avoiding post-match pleasantries altogether.
The Asia Cup, a tournament historically known for blending fierce competition with moments of sporting camaraderie, has once again become a reflection of the broader strains in Indo-Pak relations. Yadav’s stance signals how even ceremonial gestures are being carefully weighed, with cricket continuing to serve as both a sporting spectacle and a political flashpoint.
For now, all eyes remain on the upcoming knockout stage. If India goes all the way, the question isn’t just whether they’ll lift the trophy — but also who will actually hand it over to Suryakumar Yadav and his team.
