India Refuses to Accept Trophy from Naqvi, Celebrates Without Award

Darwin, September 29 – Can an India-Pakistan clash ever pass without controversy? The ongoing Asia Cup has already seen a string of disputes, and the final match was no exception. Even after the result was settled, the post-match presentation ceremony sparked heated discussion.

As in the previous two encounters, Pakistan once again fell short against India in the Asia Cup final. India clinched the title with a five-wicket victory, securing back-to-back championships. Up to this point, everything seemed fine—until the award ceremony began.

An unusual delay followed the match. More than an hour after the final, the prize distribution ceremony had yet to start. The reason? Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), was on stage. The Indian players reportedly refused to accept medals and awards directly from his hands.

Instead of gathering at the presentation stage, the Indian team chose to celebrate on the field with their families, chatting and taking photos. When the ceremony eventually began, the Indian cricketers collected individual awards from the other guests on stage. Pakistani players received their prizes from Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief Aminul Islam Bulbul.

The real drama unfolded when it was time to hand over the champions’ trophy. India flatly declined to receive it, prompting ACC president Naqvi to leave the stage with the trophy in hand.

India then continued its celebrations on the ground, taking team photographs without the silverware. One by one, the remaining dignitaries also left the stage. As a result, the Asia Cup final ended without the official trophy handover.

Wrapping up the ceremony, host Simon Doull announced:
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve been informed by the Asian Cricket Council that the Indian cricket team will not be accepting their awards tonight. Therefore, this post-match presentation comes to an end.”