A Trophy Without a Ceremony
India’s dramatic five-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final in Dubai should have ended in joy. Instead, the post-match presentation turned into controversy.
The team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy because it was to be handed over by Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi — also Pakistan’s Interior Minister and PCB chairman.
BCCI Explains India’s Decision
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the move.
“We decided not to take the Asia Cup trophy from the ACC chairman. That does not mean the gentleman will take away the trophy or medals. We hope they will be returned to India soon,” Saikia said.
He added that India will raise a strong protest at the ICC conference in Dubai this November.
An Hour of Confusion
The match ended at 10.30 p.m. local time. Yet the presentation ceremony was delayed by more than an hour. As the stage was being prepared, Mohsin Naqvi appeared in animated discussions with officials. Eventually the trophy disappeared from the dais, while individual awards went on without a hitch.
Suryakumar Yadav Speaks Out
India captain Suryakumar Yadav said he had never seen anything like it.
“A champion team denied a trophy — that too a hard-earned one. My real trophies are the 14 guys with me and the support staff,” he said.
Suryakumar confirmed the team made the decision themselves. “No one told us to do it,” he added.
Silent Ceremony
Indian players did collect their individual awards but avoided eye contact with Naqvi. Pakistan captain Salman Agha accepted the runners-up cheque from Naqvi, who posed with him for photos.
The Indian team then celebrated with an “imaginary” trophy, highlighting their protest.
Tensions Run Deep
This stand wasn’t a one-off. India refused handshakes with Pakistan players throughout the tournament. Both teams exchanged words during the Super Fours clash, resulting in fines for Suryakumar Yadav and Haris Rauf.
India’s decision at the Asia Cup final is another flashpoint in a rivalry already filled with political and sporting tension.
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