Varun Chakaravarthy unveils the mastermind behind India’s trophy-less celebration after Asia Cup 2025 triumph

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India etched another memorable chapter in their cricketing history by clinching the Asia Cup 2025 title after a thrilling win over Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 28. However, what followed post-match was even more extraordinary. The team chose to celebrate their historic triumph without the actual trophy or winning medals, marking a rare scene in global cricket.

According to Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, this iconic and impromptu celebration was not a result of any pre-planned act, but instead was the brainchild of left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh. Speaking at the CEAT Awards on October 7, Chakaravarthy recounted how the team’s excitement soon turned to confusion when they realized the silverware would not be presented to them.

“It was actually Arshdeep’s idea. We were waiting for the trophy, but we all know how that turned out,” Varun said, adding humorously, “I was standing there, hoping the cup would show up — we were all waiting. But the only cup next to me was a coffee cup“.

The Indian players gathered near the podium and captain Suryakumar Yadav symbolically lifted an imaginary trophy, recreating scenes reminiscent of Rohit Sharma‘s famous T20 World Cup celebration from 2024. This creative gesture not only showcased resilience but also demonstrated how the squad could turn an awkward situation into one filled with camaraderie and pride.

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The root of this unprecedented scenario lay in the post-match protocol. The Men in Blue had reportedly requested that the trophy be handed to them by an official other than Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi, a suggestion that was eventually declined by the organizing authorities. When officials exited with the trophy unawarded, the Indian players refused to let disappointment dampen their jubilation.

Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson echoed this spirit, stating, “It was a bit strange, celebrating without the trophy. But we have a very positive environment in our dressing room. Even if we don’t have anything, we celebrate like we have everything. That’s exactly what we did.”

The social media response from Indian cricketers drove the message home. Several players took to their handles, posting images using trophy emojis in place of actual photos with the silverware. The subtle jibe at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) officials resonated with fans who felt the team deserved the tangible symbol of their achievement. Despite the controversy, the Indian side’s innovative celebration quickly went viral, earning widespread praise for its uniqueness and unity.

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