What Caused the Post-Match Delay in the 2025 Asia Cup Final?

The Pakistan cricket team caused a significant delay during the post-match presentation following the Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday, due to their late arrival.

In the Asia Cup 2025 final, Pakistan was defeated by India, losing by five wickets as they couldn’t defend a score of 146. India’s Tilak Varma excelled with an unbeaten 63 off 58 balls.

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Consistent with their actions in previous matches against Pakistan during this tournament, the Indian team did not engage in post-match handshakes with the opposing players.

The delay was further extended as Pakistan players took additional time before returning to the field after the match, keeping the Indian team and dignitaries waiting on stage. When the Pakistan team was eventually called to the stage to receive their runners-up medals, they were met with boos from the crowd.

Ultimately, India decided not to accept the trophy presented by Mohsin Naqvi, who holds positions as the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council, president of the Pakistan Cricket Board, and an interior minister in Pakistan.

Published on Sep 29, 2025