Fresh off leading India to a commanding T20I series victory over Australia, captain Suryakumar Yadav playfully addressed the lingering Asia Cup trophy controversy. The series, which concluded 2-1 in India’s favor after the final match in Brisbane was washed out on November 8th, underscores India’s enduring dominance in Australian T20Is, extending their unbeaten streak to 13 years.
When questioned about the feeling of hoisting a trophy, Suryakumar seized the moment for a witty response, alluding to the unusual circumstances surrounding the Asia Cup presentation. “It feels great to finally get to touch the trophy. Felt it in my hands when I was handed over the trophy for the series victory. A few days back another trophy arrived in India, our women’s team has won the World Cup. That trophy has also arrived back home. It feels great and getting to touching this trophy as well feels good,” he stated during the post-match press conference. This remark was widely seen as a good-natured jab at PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who chose not to hand over the Asia Cup trophy to the victorious Indian team, leading to its current placement at the Asian Cricket Council headquarters in Dubai.
The situation surrounding the Asia Cup trophy has been a topic of much discussion. Adding a layer of progress, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia reported positive developments in the ongoing discussions between the BCCI and PCB regarding the trophy issue. A direct meeting in Dubai, the first since the dispute surfaced, has reportedly yielded constructive outcomes. Saikia indicated that while the matter was not on the official ICC meeting agenda, informal discussions were facilitated by the ICC. “It was really good to start the process of negotiation. Both sides cordially participated in the meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the ICC board meeting. Definitely, in the coming times, if things go in a positive way, the issue will be sorted at the earliest,” Saikia told PTI. The Asia Cup trophy remains in Dubai, with reports suggesting Mohsin Naqvi has instructed it not to be moved without his direct authorization. This follows his earlier stance that the trophy should be presented by him to the Indian players, a proposal that was declined.