“They Will Regret” – Shoaib Malik on India Refusing to Take Asia Cup Trophy from Mohsin Naqvi

India emerged champions of the Asia Cup 2025 after a tense five-wicket win over Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. Chasing 147, Tilak Varma’s calm and unbeaten 69 anchored the innings, with support from Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube, as the Men in Blue lifted their ninth Asia Cup title.

But the on-field triumph was overshadowed by an off-field controversy. In a rare sight, Indian players refused to collect their medals and the trophy on the podium.

The ceremony was delayed by nearly an hour before it became clear that Suryakumar Yadav’s team would not accept the silverware from PCB chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi. The decision came against the backdrop of heightened political tensions and calls for boycott in India.

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik mocked the move, saying India may celebrate the stance today but would regret it in the future.

“Just look at how much pressure the players went through, how much heat they endured, how much hard work they put in. For what? To win the trophy. And then, they didn’t even come to take it. Today they may be celebrating this decision in their own way, but down the line, after a few years, this will haunt them,” Malik said on Tapmad after the game.

He added that India’s refusal meant they missed a sporting moment that may never come back. “At the end of the day, they are athletes. Their job is to come on the field and give their best shot. This was such a massive achievement, a close match, and not collecting the trophy means missing out on the moment.”