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The India-Pakistan rivalry in the Asia Cup was marked by controversy, extending beyond the game’s boundaries. Following India’s victory, Suryakumar Yadav’s team displayed resolve by declining the customary post-match handshake with Pakistan. They further made a strong statement by refusing to accept the trophy from ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi, also the PCB chief and a Pakistani minister, known for his critical remarks towards India.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia responded to the situation with strong criticism of Naqvi’s actions during the presentation ceremony. He described Naqvi’s act of taking the Asia Cup trophy and medals as “unsportsmanlike” and announced India’s intention to formally raise the issue at the upcoming ICC conference in Dubai. Saikia emphasized that the BCCI would not allow such behavior to go unaddressed. The Indian team decided against receiving the trophy from the ACC chairman due to his representation of a country engaged in conflict with India. However, the team was dismayed that the trophy and medals were taken away by him. The BCCI plans to lodge a strong protest against the ACC chairperson’s behavior during the next ICC conference in November in Dubai. On the field, Tilak Varma’s outstanding performance, scoring an unbeaten 69 off 53 balls, along with Rinku Singh’s winning boundary, secured India’s ninth Asia Cup title.
