India won their ningth Asia Cup title by beating Pakistan for the third time in a row, but the success came with a shocking and controversial twist. The Indian team, led by skipper Suryakumar Yadav, once again refused to shake hands with the other team after a thrilling final match. They also turned down the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who is not only the president of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) but also the acting head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
The reluctance caused the ceremony to end suddenly. Simon Doull, the host broadcaster’s presenter, confirmed the news by saying, “The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has told me that the Indian cricket team will not be receiving their awards tonight.” So that does end the presentation after the game.
A “Imaginary” Celebration That Went Viral
Even though there was controversy, the Indian players didn’t hold back on their jubilation. In a viral video, they were seen lifting a “imaginary” trophy. Suryakumar Yadav copied Rohit Sharma’s famous winning posture by going slowly toward the team and then letting out a big yell, all without holding a real trophy.
Other participants also took part in the fun online. Hardik Pandya, who was out with a small injury, uploaded a picture of himself with a fake trophy as a joke about his T20 World Cup 2024 celebration. Vice-captain Shubman Gill also uploaded a picture with his pal and opening partner Abhishek Sharma, putting a virtual trophy between them.
Suryakumar Yadav on the Trophy Snub
Suryakumar Yadav was open with media after the game and expressed his opinion on what happened. He said he couldn’t believe what was happening and that he had never seen anything like it in all the years he had been playing and following cricket. “I think this is one thing I have never seen since I started playing cricket, started following cricket, that a champion team is denied a trophy, that too a hard-earned one.”
He ended by saying what was most important to him and the team. “I think we earned it. I can’t say anything else; I’ve said everything I need to. “Talking about trophies, my trophies are in the dressing room with me and the 14 other guys, as well as the support staff. Those are the real trophies I’ve gotten along the way in the Asia Cup.”
The strange finale to the tournament was a direct result of the tensions that have been present in the matches between the two countries. For example, India refused to shake hands with the Pakistani squad before the event, and the PCB president then asked the ICC for help. The ACC’s last gesture of ending the ceremony with Naqvi leaving the stage with the trophy was an unexpected way to cap an otherwise outstanding performance by Team India.