Team India triumphed over Pakistan to claim the Asia Cup title for the ninth time. However, the trophy presentation took a dramatic turn between the Indian squad and Pakistan's Mohsin Naqvi. Firm in their stance, Indian players refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi. Ultimately, they decided not to accept the trophy at all. Here's a complete timeline of the Surya versus Mohsin Naqvi episode following the India-Pakistan showdown...
India Overpowered Pakistan Thrice
The first clash between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup occurred on September 14. During the toss, the Indian captain declined to shake hands with Salman Agha. India won the match by 7 wickets and refrained from the customary handshake. This led to considerable commotion, with Pakistan lodging a complaint to the ICC, albeit to no avail. The teams faced off again on September 21, where India clinched victory by 6 wickets. In the final, India triumphed once more, securing a 5-wicket win.
Why Was India Denied the Trophy?
Post-final, the controversy centered around ACC President and PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi. Although India defeated Pakistan, Naqvi seemed more inclined to stir discord than to present the trophy. The Indian players were clear—they wouldn't accept the trophy from him, leading to an awkward situation.
Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav’s Iconic Celebration with the 'Invisible Trophy'; Watch the Video That Could Make Pakistan Smolder
Event Timeline
1. Victory Moment:
India chased down the target of 147 in the final over. Rinku Singh finished the game, while Tilak Varma remained unbeaten with 69 runs. Pakistani players solemnly retreated to their dressing room.
2. Pakistan's Lock-In:
Indian players and coaches engaged in interviews for nearly an hour, yet the Pakistan team refrained from emerging, delaying the presentation ceremony.
3. India's Position:
India proposed that the trophy be presented by UAE's Khalid Al Zarooni; however, this was rejected by the ACC due to Naqvi's previous contentious political remarks.
Also Read: Why Are You Upset... Surya Silences a Pakistani Reporter with a Smile
4. Naqvi Arrives, Hooting Ensues:
When ACC Chief Naqvi appeared on the field, the crowd erupted in boos, chanting "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" fervently.
5. Medal Dispute:
Naqvi refused to award the runner-up medals to Pakistan, which was then delegated to Bangladesh Board's Chairman Aminul Islam. Naqvi handed over a single check to captain Salman Ali Agha, who angrily discarded it.
6. Commentator Simon Doull was informed that the Indian team would not accept medals that day. Shortly after, Naqvi and ACC officials vanished with the actual trophy.
7. Groundskeepers brought out the "Champions" board twice, only for it to be removed each time. Hardik Pandya was the first to climb the podium for selfies, quickly joined by the entire team. Suryakumar Yadav mentioned how the “Champions” board was removed right in front of them.
8. Indian players playfully mimed holding the **invisible trophy** and posted these photos on social media, adorned with trophy emojis.
9. Post-Match Statements:
Suryakumar Yadav criticized the ACC, saying, 'I've never seen a champion team not receive a trophy.' He dedicated his entire Asia Cup fee to the Indian Armed Forces. Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha retorted that India disrespected the spirit of the game.
10. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia expressed surprise over the incident, stating that the matter of Naqvi's actions will be addressed at the ICC Conference in November.
