India snubs Pakistan minister, refuses to accept ACC trophy amid diplomatic tensions

Dubai, Sept 28: In a rare and politically charged moment on the cricket field, Team India declined to receive the winners’ trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi after clinching the championship title here on Sunday. The decision, though unprecedented, was not entirely unexpected — speculation had been mounting ahead of the final that the Indian players might boycott any direct interaction with Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and is widely known for his anti-India rhetoric.

Despite being entitled, as head of the ACC, to present the trophy and offer customary handshakes to both finalists, Naqvi was bypassed as the Indian team firmly adhered to its “no handshake, no off-field engagement” policy with Pakistani officials. The move was seen as a strong symbolic message amid strained bilateral ties and growing resentment over repeated provocations from Pakistan’s political and sporting circles.

The tensions were further inflamed by Naqvi’s recent online behaviour. In the days leading up to the final, he shared a cryptic video on ‘X’ showing footballer Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal celebration, followed by a plane crash, a gesture mirrored by Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf during the Super 4s clash against India on September 21, for which he was fined. The provocative post was widely interpreted as a taunt aimed at India, deepening the diplomatic chill surrounding the tournament.