A massive controversy erupted after the conclusion of the Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan on Sunday. After winning the match by five wickets, India refused to be handed the trophy by Mohsin Naqvi, who is the chairman of both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC). This led to the post-match ceremony being delayed by almost 45 minutes and when it did begin eventually, India were not handed their winner's medals and the trophy as well.
It is unclear as to when and how will the Indian team receive their medals and Asia Cup trophy. However, according to a report by Cricbuzz, Naqvi has told the organisers that he will hand the Indian team their medals only if a formal function is held where he can give them the awards. But, it is unlikely that such a demand will be met and it remains to be seen how will the saga end.
Why did India refuse to take the trophy from Naqvi?
Notably, the Indian team had refused to take the trophy from Naqvi after the latter had repeatedly made anti-India statements during Operation Sindoor. He even mocked the entire country in these posts despite being the head of the ACC. Even before the match had begun, it was crystal-clear that India will not be accepting the trophy from Naqvi.
Saikia blasts Naqvi for 'unsporting' act
Following the post-match drama, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia slammed Naqvi for taking away India's medals and Asia Cup trophy with him. He also labelled the latter's behaviour as 'unsporting' and added that they will be protesting against him during the ICC conference that will be held in November.
"We have decided not to take the trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the main leaders of Pakistan. So we will not accept it from him. That does not mean that the gentleman will take away the trophy with him, along with the medals. It is very unfortunate, very unsporting," Saikia told ANI.
"We hope that the trophy and the medals will be returned to India as soon as possible. This is definitely what we are going to do (protest). There is an ICC conference in the month of November or in the first week of November in Dubai. We are going to launch a very serious and very strong protest against the act of the ACC chairperson," he added.
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It remains to be seen how and when will the Indian team receive their Asia Cup trophy and medals.