Ravi Shastri didn’t hold back, criticising organisers after India had to wait “45 minutes” to celebrate their Asia Cup win over Pakistan.
Ravi Shastri Slams Asia Cup Organisers Over Delayed Presentation
Ravi Shastri, former India all-rounder and head coach, criticised the Asia Cup 2025 organisers after Suryakumar Yadav’s team was forced to “wait 45 minutes” for the post-match presentation following India’s final victory over Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium. Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 off 53 balls guided India to a five-wicket win with two balls to spare, securing their record-extending ninth Asia Cup title.
However, the celebrations were marred as the ceremony was delayed. The Indian camp refused to accept the trophy from ACC head Mohsin Naqvi, who is also chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan’s Interior Minister. Naqvi maintained a poker face on the presentation dais, abstaining from presenting any awards while the Pakistan players received their runners-up medals.
The ceremony ended prematurely when broadcaster Simon Doull announced that India would not receive their winners’ medals. Naqvi then left the stage and exited the stadium, reportedly taking the trophy with him.
Speaking during a live discussion with former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram on Sony Sports Network, Shastri expressed his frustration. “The players are being made to wait to lift the trophy and for the presentation ceremony to happen. This is ridiculous. The crowd is ready, they are making noise,” he said.
He added, “The game is worthy of a final, then you hang around for 45 minutes after the close of the game, still not knowing what’s happening. Ridiculous.”
Ravi Shastri ,🗿🗿🗿
— Ａｄｉｔｉ🏵️🌼 (@GlamAditi_X) September 28, 2025
Something wrong with the presentation ceremony.
India may be doesn't want to take the Trophy from ACC and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi #INDvsPAK #INDvPAK #AsiaCupT20
pic.twitter.com/6IR7pWHxWz
India defeat Pakistan by five wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 final
Chasing 147 in the Asia Cup 2025 final, India found themselves in early trouble at 20/3. Tilak Varma rose to the occasion, producing one of the greatest pressure innings of the tournament with an unbeaten 69-run knock to guide India over the line.
Earlier, Pakistan had collapsed from 113/1 to 146 all out in the 20th over. Kuldeep Yadav spearheaded India’s bowling attack, claiming four key wickets—including Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Faheem Ashraf—to trigger the collapse.