India’s Asia Cup 2025 triumph has been overshadowed by a bizarre controversy. Hours after refusing to accept the official trophy from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi, Indian players posted pictures online celebrating with a fake, edited trophy sparking widespread ridicule on social media.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, along with Tilak Varma, Shubman Gill, and others, shared photos on Instagram posing with a digital sticker of the Asia Cup trophy instead of the real silverware.
The move quickly went viral, with fans and critics mocking the team. “Another fake trophy… just like fake glory. Shine outside, hollow inside,” one user wrote.
Defence analysts also weighed in, branding the act “delusional,” while some Indian journalists said Yadav and his teammates had become “political pawns” in the controversy.
The criticism comes after the Asia Cup final’s post-match presentation turned chaotic. India, after defeating Pakistan by five wickets in Dubai, refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, delaying the ceremony by over 90 minutes. Eventually, the event ended without a formal handover or customary handshakes.
Pakistan’s skipper Salman Ali Agha later slammed India’s actions, calling them “bad for cricket” and a poor example for young fans.
Fans mocked India’s celebration on X (formerly Twitter).
