BCCI Announces ₹21 Crore Prize Money for India’s Asia Cup Heroes

Dubai, Sept 2025 : India’s thrilling victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final was overshadowed by dramatic off-field events, as Indian players refused to accept the winners’ trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

The unprecedented move delayed the post-match presentation and heightened tensions further when Pakistan’s players, too, stayed in their dressing room before eventually arriving late for the ceremony. The incident added to the charged atmosphere at the Dubai International Stadium, turning what should have been a celebration into a moment of chaos.

The controversy followed a week of strained optics. The traditional pre-final photo shoot with the trophy was scrapped after India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav declined to stand alongside Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha and Naqvi. With the tournament already played against the backdrop of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, this year’s Asia Cup became one of the most politically sensitive editions in its 41-year history.

On the field, however, India delivered a commanding performance to claim their record ninth Asia Cup crown. Pakistan, after a strong start, collapsed dramatically. At 113/1 in the 13th over, they looked poised for a big total, but India’s spinners engineered a stunning turnaround. Kuldeep Yadav led the charge with four wickets, including three in a decisive 17th over. Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy chipped in with two wickets apiece as Pakistan folded for 146 in 19.1 overs.

India’s chase was far from smooth. At 20/3, Pakistan sensed a comeback, but Tilak Varma rose to the occasion with an unbeaten 69 off 51 deliveries. He steadied the innings with crucial partnerships, first with Sanju Samson and later with Shivam Dube, whose powerful hitting in the death overs tilted the game back in India’s favor. Rinku Singh sealed the win with a boundary, giving India a five-wicket victory with just one ball left.

The win sparked jubilant celebrations across India, though the off-field drama continued to dominate headlines. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) celebrated the victory with a pointed social media post: “3 blows. 0 response. Asia Cup Champions. Message delivered. 21 crores prize money for the team and support staff.” The message highlighted India’s dominance, having beaten Pakistan in all three encounters during the tournament.

The BCCI also announced a prize purse of ₹21 crore for the players and support staff in recognition of their consistent performance and resilience throughout the campaign.

While fans reveled in the on-field triumph, many also viewed India’s refusal to accept the trophy from Naqvi as a symbolic gesture, reflecting the deep-seated political and sporting rivalry. Pakistan’s delayed presence at the presentation ceremony only added to the tension.

Despite the controversy, the cricketing takeaway was clear: India once again asserted their supremacy in high-pressure situations, displaying composure, skill, and determination. The Asia Cup 2025 final, the first-ever summit clash between India and Pakistan in the tournament’s history, will be remembered as much for its drama off the pitch as for the cricketing excellence on it.

With this ninth title, Team India strengthened their reputation as the dominant force in Asian cricket, while their performance and stance sent a powerful message that resonated beyond the boundary ropes.