Indian cricket board secretary Devajit Saikia launched a scathing assault on Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi for what he referred to as “unsportsmanlike” conduct after India’s Asia Cup win, accusing him of fleeing the stadium with the trophy and medals.
India defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets in a tense Asia Cup last in Dubai, however celebrations had been marred when gamers had been denied the winner’s trophy and medals. “We have now determined to not settle for the Asia Cup 2025 trophy from the ACC chairman, who occurs to be one of many senior leaders of Pakistan. That was a acutely aware determination,” Saikia advised ANI.
In accordance with Saikia, India had requested that the trophy be offered by Emirates Board vice chairman Khalid Al Zarooni. However Naqvi—additionally Pakistan’s Inside Minister and chair of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC)—refused, insisting he would do the honors. When India stood agency, Naqvi left the venue with the trophy and instructed ACC officers to take away the medals as effectively.
“This doesn’t give him the best to take the trophy and the medals with him. This can be very unlucky and unsportsmanlike,” Saikia mentioned. “We hope the trophy and medals shall be returned to India as quickly as attainable.”
The Indian workforce took the rostrum solely in any case dignitaries had exited, celebrating the title with out trophies or medals. Captain Suryakumar Yadav mentioned this was the primary time in his profession {that a} championship workforce had been denied its prize.
Saikia confirmed that India will formally increase the matter on the upcoming ICC convention in Dubai this November. “We’ll launch a really severe and powerful protest in opposition to the actions of the ACC chairman,” he mentioned.
He added that India’s place was formed by broader political realities. “India is in battle with that nation, and we had been anticipated to obtain the trophy from a frontrunner representing them. That’s utterly unacceptable.”
The Asia Cup last was the third India-Pakistan conflict this event, amid rising political and navy tensions following the Pahalgam terror assault and Operation Sindoor.