In a night full of emotion, fire, and unexpected drama, Team India emerged as the 2025 Asia Cup champions, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by five wickets in a gripping final held in Dubai. The Men in Blue lifted their ninth Asia Cup title, their second in the T20 format and thanks to a composed and match-winning knock from young sensation Tilak Varma.
The Match That Had It All
India were staring down the barrel at 20 for 3 while chasing a modest target of 147. But under pressure, Tilak Varma rose to the occasion, delivering an innings of remarkable maturity and control. He remained unbeaten on 69 off 53 balls, guiding India home with two balls to spare. Supported brilliantly by Shivam Dube (33 off 22), Tilak’s effort ensured India crossed the finish line when the game looked to be slipping away.
Earlier in the evening, Pakistan had a strong start, reaching 113 for 1 at one stage, only to collapse spectacularly to 146 all out. India’s spinners, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel, spun a web that Pakistan simply couldn’t escape. Kuldeep’s 4-wicket haul was especially crucial in turning the tide.
Glory Without a Trophy? The Post-Match Controversy
As the final ball was hit and India’s players rushed to the field in celebration, no one could have predicted what was about to unfold next. In a scene that stunned players and fans alike, Team India refused to collect the winner’s trophy at the presentation ceremony.
According to multiple sources, the decision was made due to a disagreement over protocol and the presence of PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who was expected to present the trophy. The standoff led to a delay of nearly an hour, during which the Indian players stayed on the sidelines while heated discussions took place between team officials and event organizers.
Eventually, the presentation was called off without India officially receiving the trophy. Commentator Simon Doull confirmed on air, “I have been informed by the ACC that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight. So that does conclude the post-match presentation.”
Despite the post-match drama, India’s performance on the field was nothing short of champion-worthy. They stayed undefeated throughout the tournament, beating Pakistan thrice, including in the group stage, Super 4s, and now the final.
Tilak Varma: The Rising Star
This final may go down as the night when Tilak Varma truly arrived on the international stage. At just 22, his temperament under pressure, flawless shot selection, and ability to build partnerships showed he belongs at the highest level.
