New Delhi: In a final laced with triumph and tension, India clinched their ninth Asia Cup title by thrashing Pakistan by five wickets in a pulsating showdown at Dubai International Stadium, retaining the crown with unbeaten flair. Yet, the post-match ceremony spiralled into controversy when skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s team snubbed Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, refusing to accept the gleaming trophy and medals from his hands.
A fuming Naqvi stormed off with the silverware, leaving the Men in Blue to hoist an imaginary prize in a cheeky nod to their hard-fought glory. Speaking to ANI, Suryakumar dismissed the incident as insignificant. “I wouldn’t call it a controversy,” he quipped. “While people shared pictures of that shiny object in various places, the true trophy lies in winning hearts.”
The true prize lies in gaining the trust of players and support staff. The behind-the-scenes efforts and the sweat on the field amid roaring crowds… that’s gold. This one’s just silverware.” He added, “I’ve never seen a champion side denied their due — it’s a first in my book.”
He revealed that the team made the decision spontaneously, without any external influence. The win sparked unbridled joy: “The undefeated run feels electric — for the lads and the nation. We huddled post-win, cracking jokes until dawn.” Suryakumar also gushed over PM Narendra Modi’s tweet, hailing the feat as “Operation Sindoor redux”, joking, “It feels ace when your PM swings like he’s on strike, smashing boundaries.”
In a classy touch, he donated the match fees to the armed forces and families affected by the Pulwama tragedy.
As BCCI mulls a protest at November’s ICC meet, one thing is clear: India’s real haul is an unbreakable spirit.