India clinched the Asia Cup title for a record ninth time after defeating Pakistan by five wickets in a tense final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The victory came in the third clash between the rivals during the tournament.
The match was marred by controversy as players from both sides again refused to shake hands, continuing tensions seen in earlier encounters. Adding to the drama, the Indian team declined to take part in the official trophy presentation ceremony.
Indian players refused to accept the winner’s trophy from Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi, who also chairs the Pakistan Cricket Board. Instead, they celebrated on the pitch by mimicking the act of holding a trophy, marking an unusual and symbolic end to the tournament.
