IND vs PAK Asia Cup last: Farcical finish to fractious event

On an evening when India and Pakistan lastly engaged in a detailed cricketing contest befitting an Asia Cup last, the highlight was snatched away from the on-field proceedings due to the farce that unfolded lengthy after Rinku Singh hit the profitable runs with two balls remaining.

In a event replete with unedifying drama, sparked by India’s refusal to shake palms with Pakistan’s gamers after their first assembly on September 14 according to the federal government’s recommendation, the nadir was reached on Sunday (September 28, 2025) evening because the Indian workforce was denied the trophy after profitable the Asia Cup for a record-extending ninth time.

Once India stated it could not settle for the glittering prize from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who can also be chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the nation’s Interior Minister, the 46-year-old politician and administrator determined to disclaim Suryakumar Yadav and Co. the enjoyment of lifting the title altogether.

While the sport ended at 10.30 p.m. native time, the presentation didn’t begin till about 75 minutes later. When the presentation lastly did start, Pakistan’s cricketers and help workers accepted the runner-up medals whereas particular person participant awards had been handed out.

But proper after Abhishek Sharma was adjudged the Player-of-the-Tournament, the post-match ceremony got here to an abrupt finish because the ACC officers walked off the stage. The precise trophy had left the outfield lengthy earlier than.

Suryakumar and his teammates celebrated by showing to raise an imaginary trophy whereas posing for photographs.  

‘My trophies are within the dressing room’

“This is one factor I’ve by no means seen since I began enjoying and following cricket {that a} champion workforce is denied a trophy,” Suryakumar stated within the wee hours of Monday (September 29, 2025) morning.

“It was a hard-earned trophy. We deserved it. I can’t say something extra. If you inform me in regards to the trophies, my trophies are sitting in my dressing room — all of the 14 gamers with me and all of the help workers. I’m taking again beautiful recollections and moments with these guys. That’s all.”

When Pakistan skipper Salman Agha was requested for his tackle the farcical finish, he pointed the blame in direction of India and stated that every one the drama had been triggered by the opponent’s no-handshake stance.

“What India has accomplished on this event may be very disappointing,” Agha stated on the press convention after the ultimate. “They’re not disrespecting us by not shaking palms; they’re disrespecting cricket. Good groups don’t do what they did right now (refusing to just accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi). We went to pose with the trophy on our personal as a result of we wished to fulfil our obligations. We stood there and took our medals.”

“I don’t need to use harsh phrases however they’ve been very disrespectful,” he stated.

Agha went on to counsel that if it had been as much as Suryakumar and the Indian gamers, handshakes would have taken place as is customary with the conventions of the sport.

“Suryakumar shook palms with me in non-public in the beginning of the event,” Agha stated. “Both on the pre-tournament press convention and once we met within the referee’s assembly. But once they’re out on this planet in entrance of the cameras, they don’t shake our palms. I’m positive he’s following the directions he’s been given, but when it was as much as him, he’d shake palms with me.”

While Agha lamented India’s behaviour, it should be stated that Pakistan’s personal conduct by delaying a recreation towards the United Arab Emirates over a pullout menace was not above board.

Political undertones

That there have been political undertones to the whole lot that has transpired between India and Pakistan on this event was evident on the finish.

While Suryakumar donated his total match charges from the occasion to the Indian armed forces, Agha concluded his presser by saying that the match charges of all of the Pakistan gamers will likely be given to the civilians who died in airstrikes carried out by India in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror assault.