India may have lifted the Asia Cup after defeating Pakistan in the final, but it was their refusal to attend the trophy and medal ceremony that dominated the post-match discussion. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha strongly condemned the move, calling it an insult to the game.
The India–Pakistan rivalry had already been overshadowed by disputes: India’s refusal to shake hands, Pakistan boycotting press conferences, an apology from the match referee, and two Pakistani players’ controversial celebrations in the Super Four stage. The decision by India to celebrate their title without receiving the trophy added another chapter to the saga.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Salman expressed disappointment at India’s behaviour:
“Look, what has happened in this tournament is disappointing. They might think they are disrespecting us, but in truth, they have disrespected cricket. Those who disrespect cricket – sooner or later, it comes back to them. I’m sure it will.”
He added that what unfolded was beneath the standards of a champion side:
“What they did today, a good team never does. A good team behaves as we did. I went alone and posed with the trophy, then collected my medal. I don’t want to use harsh words, but this is very disrespectful – not for us, but for the game itself.”
Salman also referred to his Indian counterpart, Suryakumar Yadav:
“Before the tournament, at the press conference, he shook my hand. He did the same at the referee’s meeting. But when it comes to being in front of everyone, he doesn’t. Maybe he’s been instructed, and he’s just following orders – that’s fine.”
The Pakistan captain urged that such behaviour should not become normalised:
“I have never seen anything like this in my life, not on TV or anywhere else. What happened in this tournament alongside the cricket – I don’t know where it will end. I don’t know if any other team will do the same, but I hope no one does. I hope it stops here.”
India’s decision not to receive the trophy from the ACC president also raised questions. Broadcaster Simon Doull revealed on air that the ACC had informed him beforehand that India would not be collecting their awards. Salman, however, held India responsible:
“If the ACC president is there, he’s the one who presents the trophy. If you don’t take it from him, how will you receive it? What began on the field is the reason this [press conference boycott] happened. It doesn’t matter who did it – the point is, this is not good for the game.”
Salman concluded by stressing the wider impact of such actions:
“This is wrong. Whether it’s India or Pakistan, any child watching the game is not getting the right message. We are role models, but this doesn’t inspire anyone in the right way. And if it does, it’s the wrong inspiration. What happened should never have happened. Those who did it should be asked the questions. I can never call this good.”
