The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) clarified that the Indian cricket team’s refusal to accept the Asia Cup trophy in Dubai was a well-thought-out move rather than an impulsive reaction. The BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia explained that the players could not receive the trophy from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi, as he also holds senior political and administrative positions in Pakistan, a country engaged in open war against India.
Devajit Saikia emphasised that the decision had been communicated in advance. According to him, the Indian players were ready to accept the award if it was presented by a neutral official from the ACC or the tournament but they chose to step back once it was made clear that Mohsin Naqvi himself would conduct the presentation. He described it as a unanimous and conscious stand taken by the team, not an act of impulse.
The controversy overshadowed what had been a thrilling contest at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where India defeated Pakistan in the final to secure their ninth Asia Cup title, achieved in dramatic fashion in the last over of the match. The victory extended India’s dominance in the history of the tournament but the celebrations were muted by the unusual turn of events during the presentation ceremony.
Devajit Saikia criticised Mohsin Naqvi’s conduct after the ceremony, revealing that the ACC president left the venue carrying both the trophy and the medals meant for the Indian team. He called the act a violation of sporting protocol and contrary to the spirit of the game. Devajit Saikia added that the BCCI would lodge a formal protest with the ACC and also raise the issue at the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) conference. He stressed that such actions could not be allowed to create a precedent in international cricket, where fairness and respect for the winners are fundamental principles.
Drawing a parallel with India’s recent military operations, Devajit Saikia described the team’s triumph as “Operation Killa”, a symbolic nod to the country’s resilience. He linked it to earlier military actions targeting ter*orist infrastructure across the border, saying the cricket team’s win delivered a strong message both on the field and beyond. For him, India’s success in Dubai carried echoes of the nation’s victories in other spheres, underscoring the theme of determination and strength.
The frustration among players was also evident. India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav expressed disbelief at what transpired. He said it was unprecedented for a champion side to be denied its trophy, particularly after such a hard-fought tournament. SKY underlined the effort required to win the competition, noting that the team’s achievement deserved proper recognition and respect.
The episode has sparked debate in the cricketing world about the blending of politics with sport and raised questions over whether the ACC followed appropriate procedures. For now, the Indian team awaits the return of the trophy and medals they earned on the field, even as the BCCI prepares to escalate its objections to higher authorities.
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