On Sunday, September 28, Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian cricket team lifted their ninth Asia Cup title after beating Pakistan by five wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. The Men in Blue, who were unbeaten in the tournament, continued their winning run, once again beating their arch-rivals in the summit clash to get hands on their record ninth title.
Like the previous two fixtures, the finale too was unfolded with several controversies. While there were tensions, strained relations, gestures, no handshakes in the final, the Indian team were also denied of trophy and winners medals, bringing in new controversy amid the ongoing strained relations. However, their were speculations of Team India not collecting the trophy from
PCB and ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the latter’s act has also hit the headlines.
It is extremely unfortunate and unsportsmanlike: Devajit Saikia lambasts at Mohsin Naqvi for trophy antics
After refraining to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the latter reportedly took away the trophy. The same was confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia. Speaking to the media after the conclusion of the continental tournament in Dubai, Saikia slammed Naqvi while clarifying that India has already informed of not accepting the trophy from PCB Chairman, who also holds a position in the Pakistan government, but the appeal was rejected.
After the Indian team refused to collect the trophy from Naqvi, the ACC President left the dias and instructed the team to take away the medals as well as the winner trophy. Thereafter, speaking to ANI, Saikia blasted at Naqvi’s act, stating, “This does not give him the right to take the trophy and the medals with him. It is extremely unfortunate and unsportsmanlike. We hope the trophy and medals will be returned to India as soon as possible.”
He further added, “There is an ICC conference scheduled in Dubai this November, and at that conference, we will launch a very serious and strong protest against the actions of the ACC Chairman,” while speaking of “good sense to prevail”.
