Rivals trade barbs as India emerge champs

Winners refuse to take trophy from ACC chief

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India players celebrate winning the Asia Cup during the presentation ceremony.

(REUTERS)

Pakistan captain Salman Agha said India had “disrespected cricket” while Indian counterpart Suryakumar Yadav complained his side were denied the trophy after winning a fraught Asia Cup overshadowed by ill feeling on both sides.

The two teams did not shake hands for the third Asia Cup match running as India won a thrilling final by five wickets in Dubai on Sunday.

Suryakumar’s men then refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan interior minister.

The Indian players instead celebrated retaining their regional crown by mimicking holding a trophy.

Suryakumar told reporters: “I think this is one thing which Ihave never seen since I started playing cricket that the champion team is denied the trophy.

“We took the call on the ground about not taking the trophy.”