Asia Cup Trophy Row Escalates as Naqvi Demands In-Person Collection
The controversy that marred the Asia Cup final has escalated dramatically, with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) head Mohsin Naqvi refusing to return the championship trophy to India. In a new and provocative twist, Naqvi has now directed that the Indian captain, Suryakumar Yadav, must collect the silverware in person from the ACC office, a demand that is sure to deepen the unprecedented diplomatic rift.
Trophy Standoff
The entire affair began in the chaotic moments following India's decisive victory over Pakistan in the final. The Indian team had informed the ACC that they would not accept the trophy from Naqvi, who is also Pakistan's Interior Minister, due to his history of anti-India political statements. When Naqvi refused to allow another dignitary to present the award, a lengthy and bizarre stalemate ensued.
The post-match presentation ceremony was ultimately abandoned on live television. In surreal scenes, ACC officials were seen physically removing the trophy and medals from the stadium, leaving the victorious Indian team empty-handed on the field.
BCCI's Fury
The Indian cricket board (BCCI) reacted with fury. Secretary Devajit Saikia condemned Naqvi’s actions, stating that while India had made a conscious decision not to accept the award from him, "this does not give him the right to take the trophy and the medals with him." Saikia described the act as "extremely unfortunate and unsportsmanlike" and vowed to lodge a strong official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
A New Ultimatum
The situation worsened during a subsequent ACC meeting. According to reports, when BCCI officials pressed for the trophy's return, Naqvi dismissed the request. He then issued his new condition if the Indian team wanted its trophy, its captain would have to come to the ACC office to receive it personally.
This demand has been met with a sharp rebuke from the BCCI, which has reportedly countered that the trophy should instead be transferred to the ICC headquarters. Given that the Indian team had already refused to engage with Naqvi on the field, it is highly unlikely that any representative will comply with his latest directive, leaving the resolution of this unprecedented sporting controversy in the hands of the sport's global governing body.
Image Source: Jagran Josh
Tags: Asia Cup
