The Indian cricket team boycotted Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) president Mohsin Naqvi’s presentation ceremony and refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy and medals, an unusual decision that overshadowed their on-field success. After a tumultuous one-hour wait, the broadcaster abruptly announced that the champions would not be on the stage, setting up the dramatic snub.
Why Did the Indian Team Boycott the Ceremony?
The roots of the protest trace back to a previous match. On September 14, a group-stage game between India and Pakistan was marred by a “no-handshake storm,” after which PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi publicly lashed out at the Indian team and sought the ICC’s intervention. Following this, a PTI report revealed that the Indian team had internally decided they would not share the presentation stage with Naqvi if they won the final.
They stayed true to their word. Despite winning a thrilling last-over contest, the Indian team management made it clear to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) that their players would not accept the trophy from Naqvi, who was attending the ceremony in his capacity as the ACC chief. When Naqvi stepped onto the stage, he was informed that any attempt to present the trophy would be met with a refusal and an official protest.
What Unfolded During the Chaotic Presentation?
The ceremony was plunged into chaos even before the boycott was announced. After India’s victory, the Pakistan team refused to leave their dressing room for almost an hour, causing a significant delay. A visibly agitated Mohsin Naqvi was seen talking animatedly on his phone beside the stage.
When the ceremony finally began, it was met with loud boos from the Indian spectators. The Pakistani captain, coach, and manager emerged to collect their runners-up medals to a chorus of jeers, with the rest of the team following later, some still in their flip-flops. Naqvi was also met with chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” as he took his position.
How Did the Trophy Presentation End?
The ceremony proceeded with individual awards. India’s Tilak Varma received the Player of the Match award for his unbeaten 69, while Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube were recognized for their performances. Abhishek Sharma collected his Player of the Tournament award.
However, just as spectators expected the Indian team to be called up to collect the main trophy, broadcaster Simon Doull made a stunning announcement. “Ladies and gentlemen, I have been informed by the Asian Cricket Council that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight. So that does conclude the post-match presentation,” he stated, ending the event abruptly.
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What Happened to the Asia Cup Trophy?
With the ceremony called off and the Indian team refusing to come on stage, the trophy itself became the center of a quiet drama. As Mohsin Naqvi stood waiting on the dais, an organizer was seen quietly carrying the trophy away. The coveted cup was eventually taken directly into the Indian dressing room, bypassing the public celebration entirely.
The final, potent emblem of a night in which political and athletic tensions clashed head-on was the picture of the champion’s trophy being swept off-stage.
