‘They have disrespected cricket, not Pakistan’

Yesterday (September 28), the Asia Cup final was held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India defeated Pakistan in the final and became the champion. As per tradition, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President’s Trophy was to be presented to the champion team at the end of the final.

ACC President Mohsin Naqvi was waiting on the field, but the Indian cricketers did not take the trophy and medals from him because of the Pakistani ball. Due to which the ACC President was forced to take the trophy and medals of the champion team to his hotel room.

The host of the event, Simon Dooll, said, ‘I have been informed by the ACC that the Indian cricket team will not accept the awards. So the award ceremony ends here.’

After all the ACC officials including Naqvi left the stadium, the Indian team came on stage and took selfies. At this time, all the team members and coaching staff joined the photo session.

The Indian cricket team was also seen celebrating with empty hands.

Indian Cricket Board Secretary Debjit Shaikiya complained, "Since there is a war situation between India and Pakistan, we will not accept the award from anyone who is a Pakistani minister. We had taken this decision in principle in advance. That does not mean that the gentleman will run away with the trophy and medals. This incident is very unfortunate. I hope the gentleman will return the trophy and medals to India soon."

At the official press conference after the final match, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav said, "The champion team is not getting the trophy, I have never seen such an incident in my life since I started playing cricket. But in my opinion, the team's cricketers and support staff are the real trophy. Everyone is saying that India is the champion of the Asia Cup. That is the truth."

At the press conference, Pakistan cricket team captain Salman Ali Agha said, "India did not shake hands with us, did not accept the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvir. What they did to us, they not only disrespected us, they disrespected the entire cricket."