On an evening when India and Pakistan lastly engaged in a shut cricketing contest befitting an Asia Cup closing, the highlight was snatched away from the on-field proceedings due to the farce that unfolded lengthy after Rinku Singh hit the profitable runs with two balls remaining.
In a tournament replete with unedifying drama, sparked by India’s refusal to shake arms with Pakistan’s gamers after their first assembly on September 14 in step with the federal government’s recommendation, the nadir was reached on Sunday (September 28, 2025) evening because the Indian group was denied the trophy after profitable the Asia Cup for a record-extending ninth time.
Once India mentioned it could not settle for the glittering prize from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who can also be chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the nation’s Interior Minister, the 46-year-old politician and administrator determined to deny Suryakumar Yadav and Co. the enjoyment of lifting the title altogether.
While the sport ended at 10.30 p.m. native time, the presentation didn’t begin till about 75 minutes later. When the presentation lastly did start, Pakistan’s cricketers and help workers accepted the runner-up medals whereas particular person participant awards have been handed out.
But proper after Abhishek Sharma was adjudged the Player-of-the-Tournament, the post-match ceremony got here to an abrupt end because the ACC officers walked off the stage. The precise trophy had left the outfield lengthy earlier than.
An official removes the winners’ trophy from the presentation space after India gained the Asia Cup cricket closing in opposition to Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, on September 28, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
AP
Suryakumar and his teammates celebrated by showing to raise an imaginary trophy whereas posing for photographs.
‘My trophies are in the dressing room’
“This is one thing I have never seen since I started playing and following cricket that a champion team is denied a trophy,” Suryakumar mentioned within the wee hours of Monday (September 29, 2025) morning.
“It was a hard-earned trophy. We deserved it. I can’t say anything more. If you tell me about the trophies, my trophies are sitting in my dressing room — all the 14 players with me and all the support staff. I am taking back lovely memories and moments with these guys. That’s all.”
When Pakistan skipper Salman Agha was requested for his tackle the farcical end, he pointed the blame in the direction of India and mentioned that each one the drama had been triggered by the opponent’s no-handshake stance.
“What India has done in this tournament is very disappointing,” Agha mentioned on the press convention after the ultimate. “They’re not disrespecting us by not shaking hands; they’re disrespecting cricket. Good teams don’t do what they did today (refusing to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi). We went to pose with the trophy on our own because we wanted to fulfil our obligations. We stood there and took our medals.”
“I don’t want to use harsh words but they’ve been very disrespectful,” he mentioned.
Fans rejoice after India gained the Asia Cup cricket closing in opposition to Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, United Arab Emirates, on September 28, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
AP
Agha went on to recommend that if it have been up to Suryakumar and the Indian gamers, handshakes would have taken place as is customary with the conventions of the sport.
“Suryakumar shook hands with me in private at the start of the tournament,” Agha mentioned. “Both at the pre-tournament press conference and when we met in the referee’s meeting. But when they’re out in the world in front of the cameras, they don’t shake our hands. I’m sure he’s following the instructions he’s been given, but if it was up to him, he’d shake hands with me.”
While Agha lamented India’s behaviour, it should be mentioned that Pakistan’s personal conduct by delaying a recreation in opposition to the United Arab Emirates over a pullout risk was not above board.
Political undertones
That there have been political undertones to the whole lot that has transpired between India and Pakistan on this tournament was evident on the end.
While Suryakumar donated his complete match charges from the occasion to the Indian armed forces, Agha concluded his presser by saying that the match charges of all of the Pakistan gamers might be given to the civilians who died in airstrikes performed by India in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror assault.
