India’s victory in the Asia Cup final over Pakistan on Sunday was marred by unprecedented controversy after captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed that his team never received the tournament trophy. The bizarre sequence of events left players and fans stunned, with the post-match presentation delayed for over an hour and ending without the customary celebrations.
Addressing the media after the win, Suryakumar said he had never witnessed such a situation in his cricketing career. “For a champion team to be denied the trophy is something unheard of. We fought hard, playing two intense games in as many days, and I felt the boys deserved the recognition. I don’t want to say much more, but it was disappointing,” he said.
The skipper, however, praised his teammates and support staff, calling them the “real trophies” of the campaign. “If you ask me, I have 14 trophies already in my dressing room — those are my players and staff. The memories we created in this Asia Cup will stay with me forever,” he added.
Suryakumar also said he would donate his match fee from the tournament to the Indian armed forces.
“I have decided to donate my match fees from this tournament to support our Armed Forces and the families of the victims who suffered from the Pahalgam terror attack. You always remain in my thoughts,” he said.
The chaos started soon after the match ended. Asian Cricket Council chief, who also serves as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Mohsin Naqvi, and the Indian team were already on stage waiting, but Pakistan remained absent. Naqvi, phone in hand, appeared to be engaged in an animated conversation as the delay dragged on. When Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha finally stepped out, accompanied by Mike Hesson and the team manager, the crowd responded with loud boos. Moments later, more Pakistan players followed, some casually walking out in flip-flops, drawing further jeers.
Naqvi faced heavy booing. Reports then emerged that the Indian team was unwilling to collect the trophy from him. The Pakistan team collected their medals first, with Naqvi sidelined on the stage. Agha even tossed the runner-up cheque with Naqvi standing nearby.
When it was India’s turn to collect the trophy, broadcaster Simon Doull informed the audience: “Ladies and gentlemen, I have been informed by the Asian Cricket Council that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight. So that does conclude the post-match presentation.” There was no interview with Suryakumar Yadav, nor was the trophy handed over.
Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the players had refused to accept the winner’s trophy from ACC President Naqvi.
“We have decided not to take the trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the main leaders of Pakistan,” Saikia told ANI.
Saikia added that the BCCI would lodge a protest against Naqvi at the next meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
What should have been a night of celebration instead ended in diplomatic drama, raising questions about cricket administration in the region.
(With agency input)