India refuses to accept Asia Cup cricket trophy from Pakistani minister
After winning the women's cricket crown in Dubai, the Indian team leaves the field without collecting the trophy because it was to be handed over by Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Moshin Naqvi.
India has declined to accept the Asia Cup women's cricket trophy due to it being presented by Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Moshin Naqvi. India's coach, Amol Muzumdar, stated that the team is adhering to the BCCI's stance on the matter, referencing the Board of Control for Cricket in India. India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the T20 final held in Dubai.
The tournament saw India dominate from the beginning, ultimately winning it for their eighth time. After the toss, India scored 5-183 before dismissing Sri Lanka for 111 in their 20 overs. The presentation ceremony was delayed for nearly an hour, during which the Indian team conducted their own medal presentation, with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia presenting the best fielder medal to Nandani Sharma.
Naqvi, serving as Pakistan's interior minister and chairman of both the Pakistan Cricket Board and the ACC, stood on the dais with several ACC officials, but the Indian team did not receive any medals or the trophy. Social media footage showed the Indian team leaving the field as the officials waited on stage. The ceremony concluded abruptly after medals were awarded to the Sri Lankan team and match officials, with Naqvi presenting the runners-up cheque to Sri Lanka's captain, Chamari Athapaththu.
India's coach, Muzumdar, reiterated that for the team, the tournament's outcome is that they are champions, and the trophy's presence or absence is immaterial. The cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, which had previously brought the two nations to the brink of war, also extended to the cricket field. Indian cricketers have consistently avoided shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts and have refused to accept the trophy and medals from a Pakistani official at various tournaments.
The Indian men's team had won three Asia Cup finals against Pakistan, but the women's team also defied the norm by not shaking hands with the Pakistan team during their earlier match. Subsequently, Muzumdar reaffirmed the BCCI's stance on the matter.
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