The aftermath of India’s Asia Cup triumph has turned controversial, as the team refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi. The incident unfolded during the post-match presentation ceremony after India’s five-wicket win, leaving the trophy undelivered nearly ten days after the final.
According to reports, when the Indian players declined to receive the cup from Naqvi, an official quietly removed the trophy from its podium and walked out of the ground without explanation — a moment that left spectators and broadcasters stunned.
BCCI Awaits Trophy, Plans to Raise Issue with ICC
Speaking to ANI, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that India is still waiting to take possession of the Asia Cup trophy.
“Ten days ago, we wrote to the ACC Chairperson, requesting that he should hand over the trophy to the BCCI at the earliest. However, to this day, we have not received the trophy,” Saikia said.
He added that the board would escalate the issue to the International Cricket Council (ICC) if the situation remains unresolved.
“We are waiting for another day. If we do not get the trophy by November 3, we will raise our grievance before the ICC during the meeting in Dubai on November 4. I am sure the ICC will do justice and help India get the trophy at the earliest,” he added.
Celebrations Continue Despite Trophy Row
Despite the ongoing dispute, the Indian players managed to celebrate their victory in high spirits. Captain Suryakumar Yadav lightened the mood by mimicking Rohit Sharma’s iconic slow walk from India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, pretending to lift an imaginary Asia Cup trophy to the laughter and cheers of his teammates.
The gesture quickly went viral on social media, with fans praising the squad’s unity and sense of humor even amid the diplomatic tension.
Why India Refused to Accept the Trophy
The stand-off reportedly began due to India’s refusal to accept the trophy directly from Mohsin Naqvi, who, apart from his role as PCB chairman, also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister. The symbolic rejection is being seen in the backdrop of strained India-Pakistan relations and rising cross-border tensions.
India’s decision, however, has led to confusion within the ACC as to how the trophy should be formally handed over to the champions.
What Lies Ahead
With the BCCI waiting for a formal resolution, all eyes will now be on the ICC meeting in Dubai on November 4, where the matter could take diplomatic and administrative turns.
Until then, India remains the undisputed Asia Cup champion — without the physical trophy in hand.