India refused to take the Asia Cup trophy because it was to be presented by Mohsin Naqvi, the Asian Cricket Council president, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan's Interior Minister. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated that they decided not to accept the trophy from him due to his political role and the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. This refusal was part of a broader protest related to heightened political tensions and recent military conflicts between the two countries. The Indian team also avoided handshakes with the Pakistani players during the tournament and did not participate in the trophy presentation ceremony when it was held up and later abruptly cut short. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed disappointment at being denied the chance to lift the trophy, while the trophy and medals were not collected by India during the event. The incident drew criticism and highlighted the ongoing strained relations between the two neighboring countries through the lens of cricket.