The India-Pakistan Asia Cup Final, marked by political tensions, concluded with India’s team declining to accept the winning trophy.
After successfully chasing a target of 147 to defeat Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday, captain Suryakumar Yadav informed reporters of their decision to not accept the trophy, as reported by AFP. He also mentioned that following their refusal, the trophy was withheld from them.
“This is unprecedented in my cricket career, where the winning team is denied the trophy,” he stated according to AFP.
Devajit Saikia, the BCCI secretary, confirmed that Indian players refused to accept the trophy from ACC President Naqvi, who also chairs the Pakistan Cricket Board.
“However, it doesn’t imply that the gentleman can keep the trophy and the medals,” Saikia told ANI. “We find this very unfortunate and expect the return of the trophy and medals to India promptly.”
He added that during an upcoming ICC conference in Dubai, the BCCI intends to “file a strong protest against the ACC chairperson’s actions.”
Post Asia Cup, India leads Pakistan 12–3 in T20 International (T20I) matches, with one match decided by a bowl-out at the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup.
