India defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets to win their ninth Asian title.
India claimed their ninth Asian title after beating Pakistan, but the victory was marred by controversy.
For the third time in the tournament, players from both sides refused to shake hands after the match.
Adding to the tension, the Indian team declined to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi, who also chairs the Pakistan Cricket Board.
“It’s one thing that I have never seen in my career, that a champion team is denied its trophy. We took the call on the ground about not taking the trophy,” India captain Suryakumar Yadav said.
Instead, the Indian players celebrated by pretending to lift an invisible trophy.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha criticised the gesture:
“If they think they disrespected us by not shaking hands, then I say they disrespected cricket. I think what has happened in this tournament is very disappointing.”
Batting first, Pakistan started well through Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46), who put on an 84-run stand. At 113-1 with 44 balls left, they looked set for a big score.
But India’s left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav (4-30) triggered a dramatic collapse, with Pakistan losing nine wickets for just 33 runs. They were bowled out for 146 with five balls to spare.
India’s chase began poorly, losing three wickets inside the first three overs. However, Tilak Varma steadied the innings with a composed unbeaten 69. He was supported by Shivam Dube (33) and Sanju Samson (24) as India reached the target with two balls remaining.
“It is one of the best innings of my life. It was a bit pressured, but I wanted to stay in and finish the game,” Tilak said.
This tournament unfolded against the backdrop of strained political ties. India and Pakistan fought a brief military conflict in April, making cricket encounters even more sensitive. The two nations now only face each other in neutral venues and international competitions.
