Asia Cup Trophy Tussle: Sanju Samson Reveals India's "Imaginary Trophy" Celebration Amid Presentation Chaos

Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson offered a light-hearted take on the bizarre Asia Cup trophy controversy that followed India’s dramatic win over Pakistan in Dubai. Ten days after India’s ninth Asia Cup triumph, the trophy still hasn’t reached them, because Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, left the stadium with the silverware amid chaos at the post-match presentation. The final, which India won after a tense finish, descended into confusion when the players refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi. Moments later, an official removed the cup from its stand and carried it away, leaving India’s players and fans bewildered. But Samson, speaking at an event in Mumbai, revealed that the team found a way to make light of the situation. “It was a bit strange, but we actually have a very positive environment in our dressing room. Even if we don't have anything, we have to celebrate that we have everything in our hands. So actually that's what we did,” Samson said. The Rajasthan Royals skipper said that despite the strange moment, the players didn’t let it dampen the celebrations. Captain Suryakumar Yadav even recreated Rohit Sharma’s iconic slow walk from the 2024 T20 World Cup final before the team lifted an “imaginary trophy” together in protest. The incident has since developed into an administrative standoff. Reports last week suggested that Naqvi had apologised to the BCCI for the chaos, but the ACC chief has denied any such gesture. Instead, he reportedly stated that if India “truly” wanted the trophy, they could visit the ACC headquarters to collect it from him. For now, the trophy remains missing, but Samson’s reaction sis yet another symbolic win for Team India. Trophy or not, India came out on top from the Asia Cup.