India’s Trophy Snub Raises Questions on Spirit of Cricket

DUBAI, Sept 28 — Once hailed as the “gentlemen’s game,” cricket witnessed an unprecedented controversy on Sunday when the Indian team, after defeating Pakistan in the Asia Cup final, refused to accept the championship trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister.

The unusual standoff delayed the presentation ceremony, as the Indian side insisted on not receiving the trophy from Naqvi, while he stood firm in his position as the official presenter. The trophy was eventually removed from the ground, leaving the image of the tournament marred by scenes many described as unsporting and against cricket’s traditional values.

Pakistan’s team collected their runners-up medals from Bangladesh Cricket Board President Aminul Islam, while India declined their winner’s medals and the cup. Individual awards from sponsors were collected by Tilak Varma, Kuldeep Yadav, and Abhishek Sharma, but the larger symbol of victory, the Asia Cup trophy remained unclaimed.

In the post-match press conference, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav voiced frustration, calling it an experience he had “never seen in cricket.” While he praised his teammates and staff as the “real trophies,” critics argue that the refusal to accept the official honor undermines the very sportsmanship and grace in victory that cricket has long stood for.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) later announced a ₹21 crore reward for the squad and support staff, but the controversy has already sparked debate across the cricketing world about whether personal or political considerations are eroding the game’s spirit of respect and dignity.