India’s Asia Cup victory over Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday night was an exhilarating cricketing triumph, but it became equally memorable for the off-field chaos that unfolded immediately after the final whistle. The cricketing showdown, eagerly awaited by fans across both nations, ended with India clinching the trophy after a hard-fought contest, yet the presentation ceremony left fans stunned and the sports world buzzing over an unprecedented controversy.
The heart of the drama centered around the presentation ceremony when Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi allegedly walked away with the winners’ trophy. This unexpected act left the stage empty and the crowd in disbelief, casting a shadow over India’s hard-earned victory. India’s team, having defeated Pakistan by five wickets, firmly refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi. Reports surfaced that Indian players had preemptively informed the organizers they would boycott the stage should the PCB chief attempt to hand over the trophy.
In the aftermath, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia voiced both pride and dissatisfaction. He congratulated the Indian players for their stellar performance, noting the emphatic nature of the 3-0 series win against Pakistan—an achievement marked by dominant cricket at every stage: the group matches, the Super 4s, and the final. Saikia emphasized the team’s outstanding effort, acknowledging the support staff’s crucial role in securing the prestigious title and bringing glory to the nation.
Drawing a poignant analogy, Saikia linked India’s sporting success to the valor of the armed forces, underscoring a united national spirit that transcended boundaries. “Our armed forces have delivered in the border area. Now the same thing has been repeated in Dubai,” he reflected, framing the cricketing win as a momentous occasion of pride for all Indians.
Regarding rewards for the victorious team, Saikia announced a substantial cash prize of 21 crores, which will be shared among the players and the support staff. This reward not only celebrates the team’s on-field dominance but also reinforces the value placed on their efforts by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
However, Saikia’s strongest message was reserved for the trophy incident. Expressing regret over what he termed an “unsporting” act, he stated that while India declined to accept the trophy from the ACC chairman—who represents Pakistan—it was unacceptable for him to take it away along with the medals. The BCCI is pressing for the trophy and medals to be returned promptly. Furthermore, a formal complaint is set to be lodged at the upcoming ICC conference in Dubai, with the BCCI prepared to make a serious and strong protest over the behavior of the ACC chairperson.
Though the controversy grabbed headlines, the match itself was a compelling showcase of cricketing brilliance. Pakistan’s innings was punctuated by Sahibzada Farhan’s fluent 57 and Fakhar Zaman’s 46, providing a promising start. However, Kuldeep Yadav’s incisive bowling (4/30) dismantled Pakistan’s middle order and restricted them to a modest 146, setting up a manageable chase for India. Indian batsmen Tilak Varma (69 not out) and Shivam Dube (33) then calmly steered the chase to victory, sharing a crucial 60-run partnership.
Saikia also touched upon BCCI’s adherence to India’s sporting policies, particularly the stance on bilateral series. For over a decade, BCCI has upheld the government’s directive, avoiding bilateral cricket series against Pakistan or other hostile nations. Despite these policies, the Asia Cup format allowed the teams to face off, and India’s dominant performance—winning all three matches convincingly—brought immense joy to Indian fans.
Summing up the outcome with a positive note, Saikia echoed the classic phrase, “All’s well that ends well,” suggesting that despite the off-field turmoil, the victory for India remained a moment of pride and celebration. This Asia Cup win adds another shining chapter to Indian cricket’s legacy, even as the drama around the trophy lingers in the minds of cricket fans worldwide.
