India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav responded to the Asia Cup trophy controversy following the team’s five-wicket win over Pakistan in the final, saying that bringing joy to fans back home is the real prize.
The row erupted when the Indian team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy during the presentation ceremony from ACC chief Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board and serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister. After a 90-minute delay, Indian players Kuldeep Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, and Tilak Varma collected their individual awards from other dignitaries. But when Naqvi took the stage, the Indian side declined to accept the trophy. Moments later, the trophy was removed from the venue, leaving the champions without their silverware.
Speaking to NDTV, Suryakumar Yadav downplayed the incident, stressing that the team’s main focus was on performance. “I think it spoke volumes. Our main focus was to win matches and play good cricket. It doesn’t really matter if the trophy came or not. Smiles on the faces of people back home is our trophy,” he said.
The skipper added that the joy of fans and national pride outweighed any controversy. “What matters is that my country is happy and we are celebrating. We have billboards in our name that we are the Asia Cup champions. What more do you need?”
The win marked India’s third victory over Pakistan in 15 days — an unprecedented feat for an Indian captain. Suryakumar called the triumph “destined,” praising his team for their consistent performances. “Winning 3-0 was excellent. Incredible show from the boys. They delivered what I expected from them. Never played them three times in a single tournament. It was destined to happen,” he said.
On handling provocations during high-stakes clashes, Suryakumar emphasized maintaining composure. “There is a difference between the two sides. None of us at any point have shown any inappropriate gesture, because we wanted to play this game with dignity. We just wanted to give a nice statement out there while playing a good brand of cricket, irrespective of the result,” he explained.
He further urged his teammates to stay focused. “Back from the match, when one is talking, there should be a feeling of happiness thinking that they have given all the effort possible at the ground. I keep telling my boys that let’s not get deviated from the game. Follow the situation and the game, keeping emotions aside.”
India’s dominance in the Asia Cup has added another chapter to the rivalry, with fans celebrating the victory even in the absence of the trophy.
