Asia Cup 2023: India's Win Marred by Political Tensions

Dubai, Sep 29 (PTI) – The Asia Cup final's drama shifted from the cricket field to political tensions, overshadowing India's hard-fought victory over Pakistan. Suryakumar Yadav led his team to a ninth Asia Cup title, winning the final by five wickets, but the post-match narrative veered off into politics.

The trophy presentation became a contentious issue as the Indian cricket team refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also leads the Pakistan Cricket Board and serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister. Naqvi's history of anti-India rhetoric, compounded by the recent tragic events in Pahalgam involving Pakistan-backed terrorists, heightened tensions.

The Indian team’s refusal, rooted in ongoing political strife, meant the trophy never reached the winners, despite their dominant campaign that earned them Rs 21 crore from the BCCI. Suryakumar Yadav reflected on the unusual situation, expressing disbelief at not receiving the trophy after their accomplishments. The event left the team and their families, present for the celebration, in a state of shock on the ground during the presentation.

The BCCI had forewarned that the team would not accept the award from Naqvi, especially following his mocking social media posts amidst political tensions. "India cannot accept the trophy from someone opposed to our nation," stated BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. The matter will be escalated at the ICC meeting in November as India lodges a formal protest over the incident.

Naqvi has yet to respond officially but criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s congratulatory message to the Indian team. Tensions in the game were further echoed by Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who claimed India's conduct was disrespectful.

Despite criticisms regarding India's participation in the tournament, amidst 'Operation Sindoor', Suryakumar Yadav made a conciliatory move. He announced his intention to donate his entire tournament match fee of Rs 28 lakh to the Indian armed forces and families affected by the Pahalgam incident.

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