India’s refusal to collect trophy from Pakistani head of Asian Cricket Council sparks row
Why India refused to collect Asia Cup trophy
- India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup final but controversially refused to collect the trophy.
- The Indian team declined to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan's interior minister and chairman of the Asian Cricket Council, citing his political role.
- Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed disappointment at being denied the trophy, while Pakistan captain Salman Agha criticised India for “disrespecting cricket”.
- The incident unfolded amidst heightened political tensions and a recent military conflict between India and Pakistan, which both team captains referenced by donating match fees to victims.
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's social media post comparing the cricket victory to a military operation drew criticism from opposition parties and Pakistani officials, who accused him of politicising sport.