cricket team won cricket’s Asia Cup on Sunday with a victory over archrival in a contest overshadowed by .
The Indian players refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi, who is also interior minister. It was the latest in a series of unusual incidents during the Twenty20 tournament.
What happened when India played Pakistan?
Emotions had been running high between the two sides, after the nuclear-armed neighbors fought a .
India beat Pakistan by five wickets in the final at the Dubai International Stadium. But even before the match, India’s players refused to shake hands with their opponents for a third consecutive Asia Cup match.
Pakistan had threatened to quit the tournament over the “handshake controversy,” but ultimately did not.
After the match, the presentation ceremony was delayed for more than an hour on Sunday and then stopped just before the winner’s trophy could be awarded, after India declined to take part.
Officials called it a “departure from tradition” as Naqvi was left waiting on stage.
What did Pakistan and India say about the trophy award ceremony?
While Pakistan captain Salman Agha said India had “disrespected cricket,” his Indian counterpart Suryakumar Yadav complained his side “were denied the trophy,” given the circumstances.
Suryakumar, later pictured picking up an imaginary trophy celebration, said all that mattered was that India were champions once again.
“It appeared on the big screen that India is Asia Cup 2025 champion. It was a great journey and moment for us as a team.”
Both countries declared victory in the four-day conflict in May when India launched Operation Sindoor. The fighting killed more than 70 people amid missile, drone and artillery fire.
Edtied by: Karl Sexton
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