Suryakumar Yadav, captain of India’s T20I side, delivered a witty six-word statement touching upon the Asia Cup trophy saga following India’s T20 series victory against Australia. The concluding match of the series in Brisbane on November 8th was abandoned due to rain, with India ultimately clinching the series 2-1. This win further solidifies India’s remarkable 13-year unbeaten streak in T20I series played on Australian soil.
Responding to a question about the joy of lifting a trophy, Suryakumar subtly referenced the Asia Cup controversy, where the trophy wasn’t physically handed over to the winning Indian contingent. “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,” Yadav remarked during the post-match press interaction. His comments are perceived as a lighthearted jest aimed at Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who did not present the Asia Cup trophy after India’s win, leading to its current custodianship at the Asian Cricket Council offices in Dubai.
Adding to the developments, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has confirmed that the BCCI and PCB are making strides in resolving the Asia Cup trophy issue. A face-to-face meeting in Dubai, the first since the disagreement began, has reportedly fostered positive dialogue. Saikia clarified that the Asia Cup matter, while not officially on the ICC meeting agenda, was discussed informally with the ICC’s facilitation. “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 relayed to PTI. The Asia Cup trophy continues to be held at the ACC office in Dubai, reportedly under instructions from Mohsin Naqvi to keep it there until his direct approval for its transfer. This stems from his prior demand that the trophy be presented by him to the Indian players, a condition that was not met.