Ex-Pakistan Captain Rashid Latif Calls for India’s Suspension After Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Row

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has slammed India for refusing to accept the Asia Cup 2025 trophy and awards from ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, calling it “an ugly day for cricket” and urging the ICC to consider suspending the Indian team.

Latif expressed his concern on Facebook, writing that India’s defiance would invite swift disciplinary action in most other sports. However, he noted that India’s significant presence in ICC leadership positions could make suspension unlikely.

"Indian cricket team a good candidate for suspension from @ICC after refusing to collect the #AsiaCup2025 trophy and awards from the ACC Chairman. In any other sport, this would have been an open and shut case. But with ICC Chairman, CEO, CFO, Commercial chief, and head of Events and Communications being Indians, suspension seems unlikely," he wrote.

Describing the incident as “an ugly day for cricket,” Latif criticized India for allegedly undermining the spirit of the game. The trophy presentation ceremony was disrupted after the Indian team declined to collect the trophy from Naqvi, forcing organizers to shorten proceedings.

While individual player awards were distributed, the Indian team pointedly avoided any public acknowledgment of the ACC chief.

Suryakumar Yadav’s Response
India captain Suryakumar Yadav said the team had been deprived of the opportunity to lift the trophy, marking the first such experience in his career.

"This is something I have never seen in all my years of playing and following cricket. A champion team was denied a trophy, and it was a hard-earned one. We played two strong games on back-to-back days. I felt we truly deserved it. I do not want to say much more," Suryakumar told reporters.

The Indian team reportedly conveyed willingness to accept the trophy from Emirates Cricket Board Vice Chairman Khalid Al Zarooni, but the request was allegedly turned down by Naqvi. In a bizarre turn of events, an ACC official later lifted the trophy and walked out of the stadium while Indian players remained on the field, waiting for the ceremony to conclude.

The controversy followed India’s thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final at Dubai, with India chasing 147 in 19.4 overs after bowling Pakistan out for 146 in 19.1 overs.