India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the final to clinch the Asia Cup for the ninth time.
Despite India's refusal to receive the trophy from him, Naqvi remained on stage, and the silverware was never handed over. The Men in Blue were ready to receive the trophy from Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni, who was also present on the dais, but the ACC chairman did not allow this.
The ceremony concluded prematurely, with fuming Naqvi taking the trophy and winners’ medals to his hotel room in Dubai.
The entire saga left South African legend AB de Villiers disappointed. He opined that cricket and politics should always be kept separate from each other.
"Team India sort of weren't happy with who was handing out the trophy. I don't feel that belongs in sport. Politics should stay aside. Sport is one thing, and it should be celebrated for what it is. Quite sad to see that, but hopefully they will sort things out in the future. It does put the sport, the players, the sportsmen, the cricketers in a very tough position, and that's what I hate to see. It was quite awkward there at the end," De Villiers said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
The continental event saw India facing Pakistan on the cricket field for the first time since the heinous Pahalgam terror attack in April this year, which led to India launching Operation Sindoor on terrorist camps across the border.
India took on their arch-rivals three times in the tournament and emerged victorious on all occasions, including the final last Sunday (September 28).
De Villiers was quite impressed with India's display, especially keeping in mind the T20 World Cup next year.
"Let's focus on what's most important (the cricket itself). India are looking really, really strong. Building up to that big T20 World Cup. Remember, it's not too far away. And they look like they've got a lot of talent, and they play the big moments well. So fantastic (to watch)," he remarked.