"India's victory over Pakistan at the Asia Cup finals this weekend bore stark testimony to how the two fierce rivals turn everything including cricket into just another arena for their decades of acrimony. Cricket matches between the two national teams have always been viewed as epic confrontations, akin to a "war" where victory is crucial for national pride. At the Dubai tournament, however, cricket faded into the background as politicians on both sides fanned the tensions over an actual armed conflict."
"During a pre-tournament press conference, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was photographed shaking hands with Pakistani politician Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistan's captain Salman Ali Agha, prompting criticism from home. Naqvi is the head of Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), but also serves as Pakistan's interior minister. Naqvi is a Pakistani government minister in addition to being a senior cricket administratorImage: Sajjad Hussain/AFP"
"The biggest scandal of the Asia Cup, however, came after India won over Pakistan by 5 wickets at the final match in Dubai. Indian players refused to accept the winning trophy and medals from Naqvi. In turn, the Pakistani minister reportedly insisted that only he would do the presentation, with the two sides entering a standoff which delayed the post-match ceremony by 90 minutes. India's captain Suryakumar Yadav (front right) pretended to hold the trophy as a jokeImage: Fadel Senna/AFP"
Political tensions between India and Pakistan overshadowed the Asia Cup final in Dubai, turning cricket into an arena for broader acrimony. A pre-tournament photograph showed Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav shaking hands with Pakistani politician Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, which prompted domestic criticism. Naqvi holds roles as head of the Asian Cricket Council, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, and Pakistan's interior minister. Indian players refused customary handshakes in all three matches against Pakistan, and hostile celebrations, boycott threats, and protests marred the tournament. After India’s five-wicket win, players refused trophies and medals from Naqvi, causing a 90-minute presentation standoff.
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