India defeated Pakistan in a historic match in the Asia Cup Final. For the very first time in history, the 41-year-old tournament saw both teams play in the final. India defeated the game by 5 wickets. Tilak Varma scored 69 not out runs and was a key contributor to the victory. With this win, India emerged as the winner of the ninth Asia Cup title.
But after securing the win, the Indian team did not receive the trophy. The reason was that it was to be handed over by Pakistani Minister and Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi. The trophies and medals were not received by the players. The presenter proceeded to announce that India had rejected the award. The trophy, which had been accompanied onto the field, was taken away. The Indian players did not have a celebration with it. The team will, however, get a prize money of Rs. 21 crore, which would be split among players and staff.
Reactions of the Indian Team
Captain Suryakumar Yadav had an interview with the media post-final alongside Abhishek Sharma. He said that the victory would please the people of India. Talking about the trophy, he admitted that it was most likely the first time in his life that a winning team had refused to hold it. He confirmed that the team was entitled to hold the trophy but refused.
While being questioned by a Pakistani reporter on the handshake row and the move, Suryakumar avoided intricate answers. He also kept mum during the post-match presentation ceremony.
Background and Related Controversies
The political tensions began right from the beginning in the tournament. The moment India won their first game against Pakistan, there was outrage when Indian players declined handshakes with the opposing side. In the wake of that, Captain Suryakumar had dedicated victory to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the Indian Army. Pakistan criticized this statement.
Pakistani cricketer Haris Rauf in later stages of the Super-4 phase of the tournament caused Indian supporters to be incensed with their antics related to "Operation Sindoor." However, the excitement reached an even greater height when India and Pakistan were both in the final. The stadium was packed to its capacity for the final.
Before the final, India was said to refuse the trophy if it were given by Pakistan. The news was true as India turned down the award from Mohsin Naqvi when it was declared champions.
Tags Cloud
