India has snatched victory from the jaws of Pakistan in the battle of twenty-two yards. The entire country has erupted in joy after winning the Asia Cup final. Yet, even after all this, the Indian team remained steadfast in their decision. Despite defeating arch-rivals Pakistan to win the Asia Cup trophy, captain Suryakumar Yadav did not accept the trophy on the award distribution stage. Not only that, after Sunday's victory, no Indian player wore the champion's medal around their neck.
Mohsin Naqvi, President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, was present on-stage Sunday to hand over the Asia Cup trophy. At the award ceremony, India made it clear that they would not accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi's hands. After hearing this from the Indian team, Naqvi, along with eight dignitaries present on stage, including Khalid Al Zarooni, Vice President of the Emirates Cricket Board, left the stage.
Although Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma received the Player of the Series and Player of the Tournament awards on this day, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav did not accept the trophy. Not only that, but it has also been reported that there was almost an hour's delay in starting the award distribution ceremony after the final ended. On this day, the Indian team celebrated on stage without the trophy.
But why did India refuse to accept the Asia Cup? Just few days ago, after the India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup, it was seen that India did not shake hands with the Pakistan team. Even at that time, during the toss before the match, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha. This had created intense controversy then. Immediately after that, BCCI sources had revealed that if India reached the final and had to accept the trophy from PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi's hands, they would reject that ceremony. And true to their word, India kept their promise after winning the Asia Cup final on Sunday.
