Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s comeback to a Pakistani journalist -- who was questioning him over bringing politics in cricket -- quickly became the talking point.
On a question over his stance with the Pakistani cricket team in the Asia Cop 2025, Suryakumar Yadav asked, “Bolna hai nahi bolna hai? (To speak or not to speak).”
Smiling, he quipped, “Gussa ho rahe ho aap (looks like you’re getting upset).”
The Pakistan-based journalist raised the question after Yadav and his Pakistan counterpart Salman Ali Agha once again skipped the customary handshake at the toss on Sunday -- the third time in a row during the Asia Cup 2025. Yadav had also opted out of the trophy photoshoot with the Pakistan skipper ahead of the toss.
Having won the Asia Cup beating Pakistan for the third time in a space of two weeks, Suryakumar and the team refused to take the trophy from Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Pakistan Cricket Board chief and more importantly the interior minister of his country, known for his vocal anti-India stand.
Since the Indian team didn't take the trophy from Naqvi, the presentation ceremony was concluded with Naqvi leaving the dais and taking the trophy with him on Sunday night.
“I think this is one thing that I have never seen since I started playing and following cricket that a champion team is denied trophy. We deserved it. My trophies are sitting in my dressing room. All the 14 guys with me and all the support staff. Those are the real trophies who have been a big fan throughout,” he said after India’s five-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final.
Another Pakistani journalist tried to put Yadav in a spot by asking if he knew about BCCI mailing to ACC that the team won't receive the trophy from Naqvi.
"I don't know what you're saying about the e-mail. I have no idea about this. We took this call on the ground. No one told us to do this.”
(With PTI inputs)
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