India’s victory against Pakistan in a thrilling Asia Cup final in Dubai took an unexpected turn during the post-match awards ceremony. Even after claiming the championship, the Indian cricket team, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), who also holds the position of Pakistan’s Interior Minister. The players were willing to receive the award from Khalid Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, but Naqvi insisted on presenting it himself. This standoff caused a delay of over an hour in the ceremony, ultimately leading officials to remove the trophy without a formal exchange.
Naqvi’s contentious activity on social media, which included provocative posts, is thought to be a significant factor in the Indian team’s refusal. After the match, Suryakumar Yadav shared his disappointment, remarking, “I have never seen a champion team not getting a trophy. We deserved it.” This unusual incident added a layer of tension to the already charged India-Pakistan rivalry, leaving celebrations incomplete despite India’s milestone ninth Asia Cup title.