NEW DELHI: Beside the handshake controversy, the no-trophy celebration, the reported disrespect during India’s national anthem, and India’s eventual Asia Cup glory, one man dominated the headlines — PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi.The Asia Cup final had it all. From India refusing to accept the winning trophy from Naqvi, to him walking off with it, and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha throwing the runners-up cheque, the title clash was full of chaos and controversy — one that cricket fans won’t forget anytime soon.India went on to claim their ninth Asia Cup title overall (ODIs + T20Is) and their second in the T20I format.Here’s how the dramatic night unfolded, with Naqvi at the centre of the storm:
NO HANDSHAKETensions flared from the start as India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha refused to shake hands. Naqvi was present but largely in the backdrop.TROPHY PRESENTATION: TEAM INDIA REFUSESAfter India’s win, players refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who waited on stage for nearly 20 minutes as the ceremony stalled.DELAYS AND WALK-OFFThe ceremony was delayed over an hour when Naqvi walked off with the trophy, leaving the champions empty-handed.CROWD BACKLASHIndian fans reacted angrily, chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and booing Naqvi repeatedly.ALTERNATIVE PLANOrganisers arranged for Khalid Al Zarooni, vice-chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, to hand over the trophy instead.FINAL TAKEAWAYThe Naqvi vs India episode became the defining controversy of the final, overshadowing even Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s antics.
