Asia Cup 2025: Tilak Varma makes stunning revelation on trophy row

Team India emerging batter Tilak Varma recently shared behind-the-scenes details about what unfolded after the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan. Tilak played a match-winning knock of 69 runs off 53 balls, helping India secure a five-wicket victory and lift the title. However, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side made headlines for refusing to accept the winner’s trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi.

According to reports, the presentation ceremony was delayed by nearly an hour as discussions took place between Naqvi and the Indian team management. Despite the talks, India stood firm on their decision, leading to Naqvi eventually leaving with the trophy.

In a recent interaction, Tilak revealed that the players were all waiting on the ground, unaware of what was happening behind the scenes.

Also Read: Asia Cup Trophy row: BCCI warns Mohsin Naqvi, threatens to escalate to ICC

“We were waiting on the ground for almost an hour. If you see the TV visuals, you’ll notice me lying on the ground, and others were doing the same. Arshdeep Singh was busy making reels. We kept thinking, ‘The trophy will arrive any moment now.’ But even after an hour, there was no sign of it,” Tilak recounted.

He went on to describe how the team decided to celebrate without the trophy. “Arshdeep suggested we create a celebration atmosphere anyway — just like we did after the T20 World Cup 2024, only without the trophy. Abhishek Sharma and a few others agreed, and so we went ahead with it,” he said.

Tilak also reflected on his performance in the final, which turned out to be decisive for India’s win. “We were confident, but cricket is unpredictable. In big tournaments like the Asia Cup or World Cup, if you don’t perform at your best even for one day, it can cost you. The way I batted in the final against Pakistan — that kind of innings doesn’t happen every time,” he admitted.

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