‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ in Dubai, ‘flight’ send-off, Naqvi leaving with trophy: How Asia Cup 2025 final drama unfolded

News Network

September 29, 2025

As the Asia Cup 2025 concluded on Sunday, with Team India crowned champions, the finale was nothing short of a drama-fest — from Pakistani players being booed by Indian fans to a delayed post-match presentation. Here are five moments that escalated on- and off-field tensions between the two teams — making it an infamous match for the books.

Two toss presenters to speak with the captains of India and Pakistan

For the first time in the history of the sport, the toss interview was conducted by two presenters, as the Pakistan Cricket Board requested a neutral face. Former cricketer Ravi Shastri, who had hosted the toss in the previous two India-Pakistan encounters, was joined by Waqar Younis for the joint interview.

Bumrah's ‘crashing plane’ send-off

As Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Haris Rauf, he gestured a plane crashing — in response to Rauf’s earlier “flight” celebration, which had earned him a 30 per cent match fee fine from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Both gestures continue to trend on social media, with Bumrah’s act being seen as a moment of poetic justice.

Salman Ali Agha throwing the runners-up cheque

In another dramatic moment, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha was seen throwing away the runners-up cheque during the post-match presentation. As ACC representative Aminul Islam handed him the prize, he flung it off the dais and walked out amid loud booing from the crowd.

Indian team refusing to accept the trophy

In an unprecedented move, Team India declined to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. After a delayed post-match ceremony, the ACC announced that the Indian team would not be receiving the trophy on stage.

Mohsin Naqvi walking away with the Asia Cup trophy

As chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” echoed around Dubai International Cricket Stadium and the ACC confirmed India would not collect the trophy, Mohsin Naqvi walked away with it in hand. Captain Suryakumar Yadav later confirmed his disappointment:

“It was a hard-earned victory. We’ve been here since the 4th, and played two back-to-back games. I feel we deserved it. The win is what matters. Asia Cup 2025 Champions — that’s written everywhere. The world knows we won. What more can we ask for?”

But he added proudly: “My real trophies are in the dressing room — all 14 players and the support staff. Those are the real trophies.”

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From Representation to Rivalry: The Sorry State of Muslim Leadership in Karnataka Congress

coastaldigest.com news network

January 19,2026

Bengaluru: As the dust settles on the recent legislative session, the corridors of Vidhana Soudha are buzzing with more than just policy talk. A high-stakes game of political musical chairs has begun, exposing a deepening rift within the Congress party’s Muslim leadership as a major Cabinet reshuffle looms.

With the party hierarchy signaling a "50% refresh" to gear up for the 2028 Assembly elections, the race to fill three projected Muslim ministerial berths has transformed from a strategic discussion into an all-out turf war.

The "Star Son" Spark

The internal friction turned public this week following provocative remarks by Zaid Khan, actor and son of Wakf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan. Zaid’s claim—that his father "helped" secure a ticket for Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad in 2023—has acted as a lightning rod for resentment.

Rizwan’s camp was quick to fire back, dismissing the comment as a desperate attempt by Zameer to manufacture seniority. "Rizwan’s political pedigree was forged in the NSUI and Youth Congress long before Zameer even stepped into the party," a supporter noted, highlighting Rizwan’s tenure as an AICC secretary and his two-term presidency of the State Youth Congress.

A Tale of Two Loyalists

While both Zameer Ahmed Khan and Rizwan Arshad are staunch allies of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and represent Bengaluru strongholds, their political DNA could not be more different:

• Zameer Ahmed Khan: A four-time MLA who crossed over from JD(S) in 2018. Known for his "overzealous" and often polarizing outreach during communal flashpoints—from the DJ Halli riots to the recent Wakf land notice controversy—his style has frequently left the Congress high command in a state of "discomfort."

• Rizwan Arshad: A homegrown organizational man. Seen as a "quiet performer," Arshad represents the sophisticated, moderate face of the party, preferred by those who find Zameer’s brand of politics too volatile.

The Outsiders Looking In

The bickering isn't limited to a duo. The "Beary" community, represented by leaders like N A Haris and Saleem Ahmed, is demanding its pound of flesh. Saleem Ahmed, the Chief Whip in the Legislative Council, has dropped the veil of diplomacy, openly declaring his ministerial aspirations.

"I was the only working president not included in the Cabinet last time," Saleem noted pointedly, signaling that the "loyalty quota" is no longer enough to keep the peace.

As Chief Minister Siddaramaiah prepares to finalize the list, he faces a delicate balancing act: rewarding the aggressive grassroots mobilization of Zameer’s camp without alienating the organizational stalwarts and minority sub-sects who feel increasingly sidelined by the "Chamarajpet-Shivajinagar" binary.

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