The Indian cricket team stirred fresh debate on Sunday by refusing to receive the Asia Cup trophy directly from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi. The incident took place despite Naqvi being the official head of the ACC, underscoring the Indian team’s defiant attitude apparently influenced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Mohsin Naqvi, standing firm on his position, continued with the award distribution as per protocol. The Asia Cup trophy was later returned to the ACC office after the Indian team declined to accept it on stage.

The controversy unfolded during the official post-match ceremony, where Pakistani players received their medals without incident. However, the entire Indian squad boycotted the stage, refusing to take part in the ceremony.

Only two Indian players — Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube — accepted their individual awards, and that too separately. ACC President Mohsin Naqvi also handed over the runner-up medals to the Pakistani players.

Sources confirmed that BCCI had officially informed ACC in advance that the Indian team would not be accepting the trophy. The trophy, which was placed on the field for the ceremony, had to be taken back.

Event host Simon Doull revealed on-air that the ACC had informed him the Indian team would not receive the trophy during the event.

This isn’t the first instance of India’s lack of sportsmanship during the Asia Cup. The Indian team earlier refused to shake hands with Pakistani players and Indian captain Rohit Sharma did not participate in the customary pre-final photo with Pakistan’s captain.

Critics say this behavior reflects the deepening politicization of cricket by the Modi government, which seemingly remains bitter over past military failures against Pakistan.