Dubai, Sep 29: Tensions dominated a day after a highly contentious Asia Cup final, overshadowing cricket’s spirit with political discourse surrounding the rivalry between India and Pakistan. The Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, secured a thrilling victory by five wickets, marking their ninth title and maintaining an unbeaten record in the tournament. However, the focus shifted from their achievement-which included a lucrative Rs 21 crore prize fund from the BCCI-to the political implications of the event.
Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and Pakistan’s Interior Minister, controversially walked away with the winner’s trophy after the Indian team refused to accept it from him. This refusal stemmed from Naqvi’s history of anti-India remarks and escalating tensions between the two nations, particularly following an attack earlier this year in Pahalgam that left 26 Indians dead due to Pakistan-backed terrorism. In response, India had conducted ‘Operation Sindoor,’ which Naqvi had mocked.
Suryakumar expressed disbelief at being denied the trophy, stating, “I have never seen a champion team denied a trophy, especially after a hard-earned tournament win.” He was visibly affected during the 90 minutes of unfolding drama at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. While his family, including his wife Devisha and coach Gautam Gambhir’s family, celebrated on the ground, the team remained hesitant to approach the podium.
Reports suggest that the BCCI notified the ACC that the Indian team would boycott receiving the trophy due to Naqvi’s contentious behavior, including cryptic social media posts referencing a celebrated football moment that insinuated Pakistan’s claims of downed Indian jets during ‘Operation Sindoor.’ Suryakumar later insisted the decision to boycott Naqvi was made on-site rather than through external influence.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia affirmed, “India cannot accept the trophy from someone waging a war against our country.” Following India’s refusal, Naqvi departed the podium, and to the surprise of the Indian contingent, the ACC staff followed him with the trophy, which is reportedly now at the ACC headquarters. Saikia announced that the Indian Board would lodge a “strong protest” at the upcoming ICC meeting in November, labeling Naqvi’s actions as “unexpected” and “childish.”
While Naqvi has yet to comment on the incident, he did respond to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s congratulatory post, which equated the Indian victory to a military operation, stating that such comparisons undermined the spirit of the game.
Amid controversy, Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, criticized Suryakumar’s behavior as disrespectful to cricket, highlighting the contradiction in their prior private interactions and public actions. He stated, “If you won’t take the trophy from him, how will you get it?”
India’s participation in the tournament faced scrutiny, with some Indian politicians accusing the team of prioritizing financial gain over national pride amidst the backdrop of ‘Operation Sindoor.’ Despite the criticism, Suryakumar announced a donation of his Rs 28 lakh match fee to the Indian armed forces and the families of the Pahalgam victims, aiming to mend some of the hurt sentiments.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/09/30/when-pcb-chief-mohsin-naqvi-ran-away-with-asia-cup-trophy/
Category: SPORTS
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Publish Date: 2025-09-30 03:32:00
