Tilak Varma, the 22-year-old southpaw who has quickly become India’s newest cricket sensation, played a key role in the Asia Cup final that saw India crush Pakistan in style. Known for his calm composure and fearless batting, Tilak has become a fan favourite, not just for his performances but also for his honesty off the field. Recently, he offered a candid explanation of the much talked about “No Trophy” celebration that followed the victory.
Tilak revealed that after defeating Pakistan, the Indian players were left waiting on the ground for more than an hour for the winner’s trophy. While the Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board was present there to give the trophy to the Indian team, things changed when the Indian squad refused to accept the trophy from him. After India’s refusal to accept it directly from him, Mohsin Naqvi reportedly left the stadium with the trophy, leaving the players without their prize.
He described how players like Arshdeep Singh tried to lighten the mood by making videos while the rest waited for the trophy to arrive but it never did.
To keep spirits high, Arshdeep suggested they celebrate as if the trophy were already there, similar to their iconic 2024 T20 World Cup celebrations. Abhishek Sharma and a few others quickly joined in and what followed became the now-viral “No Trophy” celebration, a playful yet powerful moment that captured the team’s unity and sense of humour.
Reflecting on the match itself, Tilak said that the team had been confident but stayed aware of cricket’s unpredictable nature. Tilak said that cricket is a funny game and everything can change if you are having a bad day. He also said that the manner in which he played against Pakistan in the Asia Cup finals, he won’t be able to play like that every day.
India’s victory marked their third consecutive win over Pakistan in the continental tournament, further cementing their dominance. And though the trophy didn’t make it to their hands that night, the young Indian team celebrated as true champions with pride, laughter and unshakable team spirit.
