India’s Asia Cup triumph over Pakistan on Sunday night in Dubai concluded amidst an unexpected and dramatic controversy. The post-match presentation ceremony descended into chaos when Mohsin Naqvi, the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and Asian Cricket Council president, reportedly departed with the winners’ trophy, leaving the stage empty and many fans utterly bewildered.
The Indian team, fresh off a dominant five-wicket victory against Pakistan, refused to accept the silverware from Naqvi. Reports indicated that the players had communicated to the organizers beforehand their unwillingness to step onto the stage if the PCB chief attempted to present the trophy.
Speaking out after the incident, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia extended congratulations to the Indian squad while firmly expressing his dismay over the post-match fiasco. “My immediate reaction is that the BCCI is immensely pleased, and we commend the Indian cricket team for decisively defeating Pakistan, both in the group stage, the Super 4, and ultimately in the final. All three matches were one-sided affairs, and we congratulate our players and support staff for bringing immense pride to our nation. We are incredibly proud of our team; their performance on the cricket pitch was outstanding,” Saikia stated.
He further amplified the victory’s significance by connecting it to a broader sense of national achievement: “Our armed forces have triumphed in border regions, and now the same spirit has been echoed in Dubai. This marks an exceptional and monumental moment for Indian cricket.”
Regarding financial recognition, Saikia confirmed a substantial cash reward for the victorious players. “We are delighted with their excellent work on the ground, defeating Pakistan 3-0 with absolutely no real challenge. All matches were one-sided. Therefore, we have decided that the Indian team will receive a cash reward of ₹21 crores, to be distributed among the players and all support staff.”
However, his most forceful comments were reserved for the trophy controversy itself. “Indeed, we had decided not to accept the trophy from the ACC chairman, who also happens to be a prominent figure in Pakistan. But that certainly does not mean the gentleman can simply take the trophy and medals with him. This is truly regrettable, highly unsporting, and we fully expect the trophy and medals to be returned to India as swiftly as possible.”
Saikia confirmed that the BCCI plans to lodge a formal complaint. “This is precisely what we intend to do. An ICC conference is scheduled for the first week of November in Dubai. At that upcoming conference, we will register a very serious and strong protest against the actions of the ACC chairperson,” he asserted.
Despite the off-field drama, the final match itself featured standout performances. Kuldeep Yadav’s impressive spell of 4/30 dismantled Pakistan’s middle order after Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46) had provided a promising start. Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 146, leaving India with a manageable target. Tilak Varma (69 not out) and Shivam Dube (33) confidently guided India to victory with a composed 60-run partnership.
Saikia emphasized that this victory aligns with India’s overarching sporting principles. “From day one, the BCCI has adhered to the spirit and policy established by the Government of India concerning all sports, with cricketers being no exception. In bilateral tournaments, India will not compete against Pakistan or any other hostile nation. The BCCI has maintained this stance for the past 12 to 15 years… But today, with this decisive and emphatic 3-0 victory over Pakistan, I am confident we have brought immense joy to our people. The entire nation is incredibly proud of the Indian cricket team’s performance.”
He concluded with a simple, resounding statement: “Yes, absolutely. I agree with your sentiment that all’s well that ends well.”