Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai

Dubai, Sep 29: India clinched their ninth Asia Cup title with a thrilling five-wicket win over Pakistan, but the post-match presentation descended into chaos as the team refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

The Suryakumar Yadav-led side, which chased down a 147-run target with two balls to spare, declined to receive the trophy, forcing a long delay and prompting Pakistan’s players to stay in their dressing room. Suryakumar was later seen doing a mock celebration run as if holding the trophy while teammates rejoiced without it.

The controversy capped a politically charged tournament held just months after the Pahalgam terror attack. Tensions flared throughout the event, with India skipping handshakes with Pakistani players and cancelling the pre-final photo shoot with Naqvi and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha.

On the field, Pakistan appeared set for a big total at 113/1 in the 13th over but collapsed to 146 all out in 19.1 overs, undone by Kuldeep Yadav’s four-wicket burst, including three in a decisive 17th over. Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy shared two wickets each.

India stumbled to 20/3 in reply before Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 off 51 balls steadied the chase. Key stands with Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube, followed by Rinku Singh’s boundary finish, sealed the historic victory—even as the trophy remained undelivered.