India’s Asia Cup overcome Pakistan on Sunday evening in Dubai was overshadowed by unprecedented drama after the ultimate whistle. The presentation ceremony turned chaotic when Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi allegedly walked away with the winners’ trophy, leaving the stage empty and followers surprised. India, who had simply crushed Pakistan by 5 wickets, refused to settle for the silverware from Naqvi. Players reportedly knowledgeable organisers beforehand that they might not step on stage if the PCB chief tried to hand over the trophy. Speaking after the incident, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia congratulated the staff however made his protest clear over the publish-match controversy. “My first reaction is that BCCI is extremely happy and we congratulate Indian cricket team for defeating Pakistan, hands down, at the group stage, at the Super 4, as well as in the final. All three matches were one sided and we congratulate our players as well as the support staff for bringing a lot of glory to our country. We are very proud of our team and they have excellently delivered on the cricket pitch,” Saikia stated. He used the chance to hyperlink the victory to a bigger sense of nationwide satisfaction, saying, “Our armed forces have delivered in the border area. Now the same thing has been repeated in Dubai. So this is an excellent moment, a momentous occasion for Indian cricket.” On the money reward, Saikia confirmed what awaits the gamers following the win in the ultimate. “We are very happy and they have done an extremely good job on the ground, defeating Pakistan 3-0. And there was absolutely no resistance. All the matches were one sided. So we have decided that there will be a cash reward to the Indian team, which will be 21 crores. It will be distributed among the players and all the support staff.” But his strongest phrases have been reserved for the trophy controversy. “In fact, we have decided not to take the trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the leaders of Pakistan. But that does not mean that the gentleman will take away the trophy with him along with the medals. So it is very unfortunate, very unsporting and we hope that the trophy and the medals will be returned to India as soon as possible.” Saikia confirmed {that a} formal grievance will comply with. “This is definitely we are going to do. There is an ICC conference in the first week of November in Dubai. In the next conference, we are going to launch a very serious and very strong protest against the act of ACC chairperson,” he acknowledged. Even as off-discipline controversy stole the highlight, the ultimate itself had moments of brilliance. Kuldeep Yadav’s 4/30 broke Pakistan’s center order after Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46) gave them a promising begin. Bowled out for 146, Pakistan left India with a modest chase, which Tilak Varma (69 not out) and Shivam Dube (33) completed with a composed 60-run stand.
Poll
Do you suppose the trophy controversy overshadowed India’s victory?
Saikia burdened that the victory was in line with India’s sporting coverage, including, “Actually, BCCI from the very first day, we have followed the spirit and the policy formulated by the Government of India regarding all games, cricketers were no exception. When it is a bilateral tournament, India is not going to play against Pakistan or any other hostile country. And BCCI has been doing it for the last 12 to 15 years… But today, with this handsome win over Pakistan and the thumping victory of 3-0, I am sure we will bring a lot of happiness to our people. The country is really proud of the performance of Indian cricket team.” He summed up with a easy be aware, exclaiming, “Yes, absolutely. I follow your statement that everything is well that ends well.”