Asia Cup trophy controversy: Why India celebrated victory without lifting the cup | WATCH

Dubai: In an unprecedented event, India was not presented with the Asia Cup trophy following their thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan on Sunday, as the team refused to accept the silverware from Pakistan minister and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi. The presentation ceremony, delayed for a significant time, saw individual players receiving awards, but the team trophy went unawarded, reportedly marking a first in international cricket history.

The Indian team management had explicitly communicated their unwillingness to accept the trophy from Naqvi and were open to receiving it from Emirates Cricket Board’s vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni. However, Naqvi did not permit this, leading to further delays. Meanwhile, Indian fans stayed on and loudly booed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha as he approached the stage, chanting "Bharat Maata Ki Jai."

As Naqvi stood on stage awaiting acceptance, Indian players remained about 15 yards away, refusing to participate in the formalities. Ultimately, the organisers quietly moved the trophy into the Indian dressing room, avoiding a direct presentation.

Throughout the tournament, India had boycotted traditional gestures like handshakes and pre-match photos with the Pakistani side, signalling their stance firmly. After the match ended, Pakistani players stayed in their dressing room for over an hour, leaving Naqvi isolated on stage and visibly embarrassed.

Naqvi's past controversial actions, including posting cryptic videos insinuating claims against India and lobbying for ICC disciplinary action against Indian player Suryakumar for expressing solidarity with the Indian Army and terror attack victims, contributed to the tensions.

With inputs from PTI