Dubai: Two days have gone by since Team India conquered Pakistan in the Asia Cup final, but Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates are yet to lay their hands on the trophy.
With no certainty as to when they would receive the winners’ trophy and medals, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is mulling a complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
As per the original schedule, the trophy was to be presented to the winning team on Sunday night at Dubai International Stadium by Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi, who is also a minister in the Pakistani government,
The drama started after India fought their way to a 5-wicket win. The Indian team refused to receive the trophy from Naqvi, who was equally adamant and stubborn. Naqvi reportedly left the stadium for his hotel, taking the trophy and medals with him after presenting Pakistan players the runners-up medals.
The men in blue did celebrate, but without the trophy.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) brought up the issue at Tuesday’s ACC meeting. Raising strong objections, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla cornered Naqvi and asked him why the trophy had not been handed to the victorious team.
According to reports, Shukla reminded everyone present that the trophy is not Naqvi’s property, but that of ACC.
Shukla made the point that ACC must ensure the Asia Cup is handed to India in an appropriate manner.
Naqvi claimed that he was made to look like a ‘cartoon’ after the final, and claimed that the Indian team had not given in writing that they won’t accept the trophy from him.
On the specific matter of presenting the trophy to Indian team, Naqvi continued to beat around the bush, saying it will be discussed on a different platform, not during the meeting.
