Dubai, Sep 29 (NationPress) India's triumph in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan on Sunday (September 28) was overshadowed by an extraordinary controversy when captain Suryakumar Yadav disclosed that his team was never presented with the tournament trophy. This unexpected turn of events left both players and fans in disbelief, as the post-match presentation was delayed for over an hour and concluded without the usual celebrations.

In a media briefing after the match, Suryakumar expressed that he had never encountered a scenario like this throughout his cricketing career. “It’s unprecedented for a champion team to be denied the trophy. We fought valiantly, engaging in two intense matches back-to-back, and I believe the boys deserved to be honored. While I don’t wish to elaborate further, it is indeed disappointing,” he stated.

Despite the situation, the skipper commended his teammates and support staff, referring to them as the “real trophies” of the tournament. “If you ask me, I already have 14 trophies in my dressing room — those are my players and staff. The memories we created during this Asia Cup will be cherished forever,” he added.

He also announced his intention to donate his match fee from the tournament to the Indian armed forces.

“I have resolved to donate my match fees from this tournament to support our Armed Forces and the families of the victims who were affected by the Pahalgam terror attack. They are always in my thoughts,”

said Suryakumar Yadav.

The controversy reportedly arose from tensions between the Indian team and the tournament organizers. Sources indicate that the Indian side declined to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi, who also holds the position of chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan’s Interior Minister. The Indian team was reportedly unwilling to receive the trophy from Naqvi due to Pakistan's alleged support of cross-border terrorism against India.

Prior to the ceremony, India’s management had asked who would be presenting the trophy and indicated their willingness to accept it from Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni, but Naqvi is said to have dismissed that suggestion. When Naqvi finally arrived on stage, the Indian team made it clear that they would not accept the trophy from him. Shortly thereafter, the trophy was quietly removed from the venue, leaving the champions without their prize.

What should have been a night of celebration instead devolved into a diplomatic incident, raising serious questions about cricket administration in the region.