NEW DELHI: India’s heavy defeat to Pakistan in the U19 Asia Cup 2025 final was followed by an uncomfortable moment during the presentation ceremony, one that drew as much attention as the match itself.
The Indian players, who finished runners up, did not receive their medals from ACC and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, underlining India’s firm and consistent stand at ACC events.
Pakistan dominated the final on the field. Sameer Minhas played a commanding knock of 172 off 113 balls as Pakistan piled up a daunting 347. India’s chase never settled, with early wickets pushing the team on the back foot before they were bowled out for 156.
Attention soon shifted to the presentation ceremony. Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, arrived once Pakistan were in a winning position and stood on the podium for the medal presentation.
Notably, the Indian players chose not to approach the stage where Naqvi was present. Instead, they collected their runners up medals on the ground, away from the podium. The medals were handed over by Mubashshir Usmani, an ICC Associate Member Director, rather than the ACC chairman.
The decision appeared deliberate and in line with India’s recent approach at ACC tournaments. It reflected a clear message rather than a spur of the moment reaction.
This was not an isolated incident. Earlier this year, during the senior men’s Asia Cup final in Dubai, the Indian team had declined to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi after defeating Pakistan.
