Team India’s Asia Cup 2025 final victory over Pakistan should have been celebrated for its cricketing brilliance, but the post-match narrative quickly shifted into the political arena. Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan minister Mohsin Naqvi drew sharp reactions after responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s congratulatory message for Team India with a controversial statement on X (formerly Twitter).

PM Narendra Modi hails Team India

Following India’s five-wicket win in the Dubai final, Prime Minister Modi praised the team for their resilience and success. In a post on X, he wrote: “#OperationSindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same – India wins! Congrats to our cricketers.” The message, intended as a celebration of India’s sporting achievement, instantly went viral among fans and political leaders alike.

#OperationSindoor on the games field.

Outcome is the same – India wins!

Congrats to our cricketers.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 28, 2025

Mohsin Naqvi’s senseless response

Hours later, PCB chief Naqvi quote-posted Modi’s message with a scathing response, drawing parallels between sport and historical wars. The remark sparked outrage among cricket fans and analysts, many of whom accused Naqvi of politicising the final and undermining the spirit of the game. Critics argued that instead of celebrating the contest, the ACC chief deepened the divide between the two cricketing giants.

“If war was your measure of pride, history already records your humiliating defeats at Pakistan’s hands. No cricket match can rewrite that truth. Dragging war into sport only exposes desperation and disgraces the very spirit of the game,” write Naqvi.

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Trophy presentation controversy adds fuel

Naqvi’s comments came on the back of a dramatic standoff during the post-match ceremony. India refused to accept the trophy and winners’ medals from Naqvi. Efforts by the ACC to appoint Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni as presenter were blocked by Naqvi, leaving organisers no choice but to quietly remove the trophy from the stage.

As a result, India’s players celebrated without the silverware, a first in Asia Cup history. Individual performers like Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma received their awards, but the team was denied the traditional champion’s moment.

Also WATCH: IND vs PAK – Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana troll Abrar Ahmed with ‘head tilt’ gesture after Asia Cup 2025 win