The India-Pakistan rivalry in the Asia Cup took a controversial turn, extending beyond the sporting arena. After the match, Suryakumar Yadav’s team demonstrated their resolve by not participating in the traditional handshake with Pakistan. They went further by declining to receive the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the ACC chairman, who is also the PCB chief and a minister from Pakistan, known for his anti-India views.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia condemned Naqvi’s actions during the presentation ceremony, labeling them as “unsportsmanlike.” He confirmed that India would officially address the matter at the ICC conference in Dubai. Saikia made it clear that the BCCI would not overlook such behavior. India’s decision to avoid receiving the trophy from the ACC chairman stemmed from his association with a country at odds with India. The BCCI plans to file a formal protest against the ACC chairperson’s conduct during the upcoming ICC conference in November in Dubai. In the game, Tilak Varma’s performance, including an undefeated 69 off 53 balls, and Rinku Singh’s match-winning boundary, led India to secure their ninth Asia Cup victory, even without receiving the trophy.
