The Asia Cup final has been overshadowed by controversy as India transformed the match into a spectacle filled with animosity.

Despite clinching the title, the Indian team’s conduct suggested they were emerging from a battlefield rather than a cricket match. In a surprising turn, they refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi.

In the post-match press conference, captain Salman Ali Agha expressed his disappointment, stating, “The Indian team has not only disrespected us but also the game of cricket. Good teams enhance their reputation by accepting trophies, yet this behavior has tarnished the sport.”

The closing ceremony was chaotic, with spectators waiting for 45 minutes for the trophy presentation. However, the Indian team’s refusal to accept the trophy led the Asian Cricket Council to retain it, leaving PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to witness a ceremony that concluded without an award being given.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif took to social media to criticise the Indian government’s actions, stating, “Modi has destroyed the spirit of cricket for politics, undermining the culture of the game and eliminating opportunities for peace in the subcontinent.” He added, “Respect is not restored this way.

The score of the Indo-Pak war is etched in stone at six-zero. Modi has become a laughingstock both in India and globally.“ Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri also joined the criticism, deeming the delay in the ceremony ridiculous and lamenting that such a great final was marred by the closing events.

Social media users echoed these sentiments, with one remarking, “For the first time in history, a team returned home empty-handed after winning the final.”

The Indian team’s theatrics extended beyond the trophy incident. Prior to the final, the Indian captain skipped photo opportunities, leaving the Pakistani captain to pose alone during the toss, as if the match was about ego rather than cricket.

Moreover, the enjoyment of the event was further undermined by the Pakistani team’s own performance, as they collapsed for just 146 runs and missed crucial catches and run-outs, seemingly ensuring an Indian victory. While fans laid blame on the bowlers for the defeat, the reality was that the batters opted for self-destruction instead of capitalizing on opportunities.

Ultimately, the Asia Cup final became a title for India, a lesson for Pakistan, and a source of mockery for the Asian Cricket Council. While the trophy remains secured in the ACC office, the Indian team’s actions have sullied the spirit of the game, dragging it into the realm of politics.

Mohsin Naqvi condemned the Modi government, stating, “Linking war with sports is a sign of desperation; history has recorded your humiliating defeat at the hands of Pakistan.”