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Visitors look at a Zerog eVTOL model ZG-ONE in the Zerog booth during the Aero Asia 2025 in Zhuhai, in southern China’s Guangdong province Saturday. Aero Asia 2025 is an international aviation and aerospace exhibition that runs between November 27 and 30. 

Spot freight rates for liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers extended a surge as record-breaking exports from North America tied up more vessels.The cost to hire a ship transporting LNG from the US to Europe jumped by about 12% on Friday to $130,750 a day, the highest since December 2023, according to data from Spark Commodities. Rates have rallied since early October as output ramps up from new projects in North America, requiring more vessels to deliver the super-chilled fuel to customers, including in Asia.There appears to be even more upside for rates, with a ship chartered for more than $150,000 a day for a journey in the Atlantic Ocean starting in the second half of December, according to traders with knowledge of the matter. The 30-day moving average for North American LNG exports rose to the highest level on record on Thursday, up about 50% year-over-year, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.Spiking freight rates are a turnaround after the market languished for most of the year due to a glut of ships. However, the surge has resulted in some LNG buyers seeking to delay loadings in the Atlantic basin, according to Spark Commodities. Separately, the cost to hire a tanker in the Pacific Ocean is also at the highest in more than a year.

The Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament in Doha will witness its marquee clash today as India ‘A’ takes on Pakistan ‘Shaheens’ at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium.This Group B fixture is a crucial determinant of the group winner, with both sides having started their campaigns with comprehensive victories on Friday.India ‘A’, captained by the experienced T20 specialist Jitesh Sharma, brings an intimidating batting lineup into the contest.Their opening win over the UAE was characterised by an astonishing display of power-hitting, anchored by 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s sensational 144 off just 42 balls, and Sharma’s blistering 83 not out.This performance saw India post a near-record 297/4, crushing the UAE by 148 runs.While the young team has showcased their devastating potential, the question remains whether they can maintain that same aggressive tempo against a far more skilled and disciplined Pakistan bowling unit on a pitch generally expected to be more balanced. Spinner Gurjapneet Singh and pacer Yash Thakur will be key to India’s bowling success.Standing against them are the Pakistan Shaheens, led by Irfan Khan. The Shaheens started with a dominant 40-run victory over Oman, where their performance was built on the all-round efforts of players like Maaz Sadaqat, who smashed 96 not out, and a strong collective bowling performance led by the pace of Ubaid Shah.Unlike India’s focus on top-order fireworks, Pakistan relies on a more balanced batting card and a bowling attack that features internationals like fast bowler Ahmed Daniyal and spinner Sufiyan Muqeem.Skipper Khan has stressed the importance of discipline, agreeing that a total of 160-170 is a par score for the venue, suggesting Pakistan will look to contain rather than compete in a free-for-all run fest.The battle for victory, however, will likely be won in the early overs today.Can the Shaheens’ pacers and experienced spinners breach the defence of the in-form Indian top three?Or will India’s batting powerhouses like Suryavanshi, Sharma, and Nehal Wadhera continue their onslaught? The team that adapts best to the pressure of this historic rivalry and executes a measured game plan — as opposed to relying solely on momentum — will secure the win and an almost guaranteed semi-final spot.The fifth match of the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament will feature a crucial Group B battle between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman at the West End Park Stadium today.Both sides enter this fixture determined to secure their first points after suffering comprehensive defeats in their opening games on Friday.In the two matches played Saturday, Bangladesh ‘A’ beat Hong Kong by 8 wickets. Hong Kong scored 167 for the loss of 8 wickets batting first. In reply, Bangladesh reached 171/2 off 11 overs only, thus winning the game by 8 wickets (with 54 balls remaining).In the day’s second match, Afghanistan ‘A’ beat Sri Lanka ‘A’ by three wickets.Batting first, Sri Lanka A scored 170/9 in their 20 overs. In reply, defending champions Afghanistan scored 171/7 and ended the match with 1 delivery to spare.

India ‘A skipper Jitesh Sharma and rival captain Irfan Khan of Pakistan feel a total of ‘160’ would be par score at the Asia Cup Rising Stars cricket tournament which starts today.Pakistan open their campaign at the eight-team T20 tournament for emerging players in Asia with a match against Oman today.Also today, India ‘A’ will take on the UAE in the second match of the day at West End Stadium in Asia Town. Defending champions Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and Bangladesh complete the roster at the 10-team tournament being staged in Doha for the first time by Qatar Cricket Association (QCA).“We have got some data from the games already played here, and most of the scores have been around 150–160,” Sharma, who has played 12 T20Is for India, said Thursday. “So, based on that, we are preparing and assuming that these wickets will play like typical Asian wickets,” the 32-year-old added.“But you know T20 is an uncertain game – you never know what you are going to face, you just have to react. We want to go with the flow and see how the wickets behave, but at the back of our minds we know that the pitches might be quite challenging if scores are around 150–160,” he added.When asked if teams with stronger batting or stronger bowling line-ups would dominate in Doha, Sharma said: “I think batsmen win you games, but bowlers win you tournaments – that’s what I believe. Whichever team bowls well will have the best chance to win the tournament. We are blessed to have a very good support staff, media team and video analysts.”Pakistan skipper Khan, just 22, said his team have also studied the playing conditions in Doha where the opening match will be played during day time today.“We have adequate information on the conditions here. We plan according to our opposite number. You will see our performances when we reach the ground. We feel 160-170 runs is a good target to defend. If you bowl well, you can defend easily,” Khan, who has played 9 ODIs and 14 T20Is for Pakistan, said Thursday.Khan said his team is raring to go with roles clearly defined for each of the players of the squad.“I feel I don’t have to boss around like a captain because the players around me know their roles well. They take responsibility well. I don’t have to guide them all the time as all of them are keen to do well and the atmosphere around the dressing room is really good. You will see good results,” Khan added.“We have good combinations in batting, bowling and even fielding is good,” he added.When asked about the India-Pakistan clash on Sunday, Khan said Thursday: “Right now we are only looking at the match on Friday (against Oman). We don’t have pressure. We have faith in our abilities. We let our instincts take over when the match starts.”India ‘A’ skipper Sharma added: “We are not looking at any particular match. All three league matches are important and then hopefully the semi-final and the final. We should respect all the opponents and play fair cricket.”Sri Lanka captain Dunith Wellalage said Thursday: “We came here after finishing as runners-up last time, so we know what it takes to go deep in a tournament. The conditions in Qatar are quite similar to what we have at home, and that gives us confidence. We have a group of experienced players and a strong support staff. Our focus is simple: cut down on mistakes, trust our plans, and try to deliver our best in every game.”Wellalage, who has played 1 Test and 31 ODIs for Sri Lanka, added: “I have been playing with most of these boys since the Under-19 level for more than three years, so the understanding in the team is very good. Ramesh Mendis, Nishan Madushka, Nuwanindu Fernando, Sahan Arachchige – all of them are experienced and I am sure we will get good support from them. Every team here is a challenge and we respect all our opponents, but we believe in our squad. The environment is really good, we have been given an excellent ground to train on, and we want to make full use of these conditions.”“I am grateful to the Asian Cricket Council and to Qatar for hosting this event,” the 22-year-old Sri Lankan captain said.Sensational Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old Indian left-handed batsman, is also part of the India ‘A’ squad.The prodigious talent, who plays domestic cricket for Bihar and represents the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, achieved a historic debut in the T20 franchise league this year by becoming its youngest player.Suryavanshi further etched his name in the record books by smashing a 35-ball century against the Gujarat Titans, making him the youngest and fastest Indian centurion in the competition’s history.UAE captain Alishan Sharafu said at a press conference Thursday: “I think we’ve got a relatively young bunch of boys in this side you know with lots of talent and you know they’re all super excited to be here and most of them, having grown up in the UAE, grew up in diverse cultures. So we’ve never really looked at people coming from different places. And we’re just proud to represent the UAE and hopefully have a good tournament here.”GROUPS AND FIXTURESGroup A: Afghanistan A, Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A, Hong KongGroup B: India A, Pakistan Shaheens, UAE, OmanNov 14 - Oman vs Pakistan; India ‘A’ vs UAENov 15 - Bangladesh vs Hong Kong; Afghanistan vs Sri LankaNov 16 - Oman vs UAE; India ‘A’ vs PakistanNov 17 - Hong Kong vs Sri Lanka; Afghanistan vs BangladeshNov 18 - Pakistan vs UAE; India ‘A’ vs OmanNov 19 - Afghanistan vs Hong Kong; Bangladesh vs Sri LankaNov 21 - Semi-finals: A1 vs B2; B1 vs A2Nov 23 - FinalVenue: West End Stadium, Asian Town, Doha

The Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) will be playing hosts to the upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Rising Stars Asia Cup, earlier the Emerging Teams tournament, to be played in Doha from November 14 to 23 at the West-End International Cricket Stadium.The T20 event will feature eight teams India A, Pakistan A, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Oman, UAE, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. In this new format, full member nations will field their A teams, while associate nations will field their main teams.QCA said the tournament will be open to public with ticketed entry.Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma has been named captain of the India A squad and Naman Dhir has been appointed his deputy. The selectors have also included 14-year-old IPL sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the squad.Pakistan A and Oman will kick off the tournament, with the showpiece India A vs Pakistan A match slotted for November 16. The teams are divided into two groups: Group A has Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka, while Group B has India, Oman, Pakistan and UAE.This will be the first cricketing exchange between the men's teams of India and Pakistan since the senior Asia Cup in September, though the senior women's teams faced off at the ODI World Cup earlier this month.ACC Rising Stars Tournament Schedule:Nov 14 - Oman vs Pakistan; India A vs UAENov 15 – Bangladesh vs Hong Kong; Afghanistan vs Sri LankaNov 16 - Oman vs UAE; India A vs Pakistan ANov 17 – Hong Kong vs Sri Lanka; Afghanistan vs BangladeshNov 18 – Pakistan A vs UAE; India A vs OmanNov 19 - Afghanistan vs Hong Kong; Bangladesh vs Sri LankaNov 21 - Semi-finals: A1 vs B2; B1 vs A2Nov 23 - Final.

The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Municipality, participated in the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors' Forum, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, under the theme: Collaborate. Inspire. Transform.The Ministry was represented by a delegation that included Director General of Al Rayyan Municipality Mansour Ajran Al Buainain, Director General of Al Wakrah Municipality Jaber Hassan Al Jaber, Director General of Al Daayen Municipality Rashid Mishlesh Al Khayarin, and Director of the Technical Affairs Department at Al Rayyan Municipality Khalifa Al Khayarin.During the summit, participants reviewed leading international practices in smart urban planning and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation among municipalities and cities across the region in the areas of sustainability, transportation and resource management. The discussions also explored opportunities for technical and environmental partnerships among the participating cities.

Kuwait, Pakistan, Jordan, Kazakhstan and Lebanon won their respective group matches in the men’s section while Thailand, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and UAE did likewise in the women’s section to keep their hopes alive for qualifying for the next stage of the FIP Asia Padel Cup organised by the International Padel Federation (FIP) together with the Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) and Padel Asia at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on Saturday.In the men’s section, Kuwait and Bahrain match was a keenly contested one with Kuwait winning it 2-1 to open their campaign on an emphatic note.Bahrain which had won the first match against Indonesia have lost one and won one, while Indonesia the third team in the group have lost the only match they have played so far.On Sunday, Kuwait take on Indonesia which will decide which of the team will make it to the last eight stage by virtue of being the group leader.In Group B, Pakistan got the better of China 2-1 and will face Thailand in their second match, which will also decide the group qualifier. Earlier on Friday China had defeated Thailand in the same group. In Group C, Jordan defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 to start their campaign on a winning note and will face South Korea, who had earlier lost to Saudi Arabia.Jordan has one win from one match, while Saudi Arabia has lost one and won another, while South Korea has lost the lone match they have played so far. The group leader will be decided on Sunday.In Group D, the Lebanon and Kazakhstan clash will decide the group leader, both the teams have won two of their matches in the group while Japan and Philippines have lost both their matches. The four group winners will join the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Australia, and Iran in the Final 8, scheduled from October 20 to 24. In the women’s section in Group A, Thailand were given a tight fight by the hosts Qatar but managed to overcome the spirited challenge 2-1.In the three-team group, Thailand and Lebanon have both won their first-round matches of the group and the group leader will be decided on Sunday when Thailand and Lebanon meet in the crucial tie which will decide which of the two teams qualifies for the quarter-final stage of the championship.In Group B, Indonesia registered their second successive win to remain on top of the group with an all-win record. On Saturday they defeated Bahrain 3-0 while on Friday they had defeated Kuwait 3-0.On Sunday, Kuwait take on Bahrain in the Group B.In the Group C matches, Saudi Arabia defeated Pakistan 3-0 while UAE edged past China 2-1. For Saudi Arabia this was their second successive win having won against China on Friday. UAE also won their second match of the group and the group leader will be decided after the match between Saudi Arabi and UAE.The two clash on Sunday, while China meet Pakistan in the other match of the group.The four group qualifiers from the three groups will be joined by Japan, Australia, the Philippines and Iran have already qualified for the last-eight stage by virtue of their FIP Rankings.Seventeen teams Bahrain, China, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Thailand, UAE, Qatar, Australia, and Iran competing in the men’s section in the week-long championship, while fourteen teams Bahrain, China, Indonesia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, UAE, Qatar, Japan, Australia, Philippines, and Iran compete in the women’s section.ResultsMen's sectionGroup A: Kuwait bt Bahrain 2-1Group B: Pakistan bt China 2-1Group C: Jordan bt Saudi Arabia 2-1Group D: Kazakhstan bt Japan 2-1Group D: Lebanon bt Philippines 3-0Women's sectionGroup A: Thailand bt Qatar 2-1Group B: Indonesia bt Bahrain 3-0Group C: UAE bt China 2-1Group C: Saudi Arabia bt Pakistan 3-0Order of play (Sunday 19th October)Men’s matchesGroup A: Indonesia vs KuwaitGroup B: Thailand vs PakistanGroup C: Jordan vs South KoreaGroup D: Lebanon vs KazakhstanGroup D: Japan vs Philippines Women’s matchesGroup A: Lebanon vs ThailandGroup B: Kuwait vs BahrainGroup C: Saudi Arabia vs UAE Group C: China vs PakistanAll matches start at 3.00pmVenue: Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex

Bahrain, China, Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan won their Group matches in the men's section of the FIP Asia Padel Cup while Lebanon, Indonesia, UAE and Saudi Arabia won their respective group matches in the women's section on the first day of the seven-day championship which kicked off at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha on Friday evening. In the men's section, Bahrain playing on Grandstand 1 overcame a spirited challenge of Indonesia in Group A to start off their campaign on an emphatic note and keep themselves ahead in the race to qualify for the last-eight stage of the championship. Kuwait is the third team in Group A. In the other results of the men's section, in Group B, China defeated Thailand 3-0 to keep them ahead of the qualifying race, Pakistan is the third team in the group and will start their campaign on Saturday. In Group C, Saudi Arabia overcame South Korea 3-0 to make a successful start to their campaign, Jordan is the third team in the group, while in Group D, Kazakhstan defeated Philippines 3-0 to make a strong start to the campaign while in the same group, Lebanon defeated Japan 2-1. Only one team from each of the four men's groups will qualify for the last-eight stage where they join four other countries UAE, Qatar, Australia, and Iran, having qualified for the last-eight based on the FIP Ranking. Women's Section In the women's section, Lebanon, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and UAE were off to winning starts in their respective group matches. Hosts Qatar gave a spirited fight but went down fighting 3-0 to Lebanon in the Group A match. The other team in Group A is Thailand. In the other results, in Group B Indonesia defeated Kuwait 3-0, the other team in Group B is Bahrain. In Group C, UAE got the better of Pakistan 2-1 and in Group C, Saudi Arabia overcame China 2-1. The group leaders from each of the groups will qualify for the last-eight stage where they will be joined by Australia, Japan, Iran, and the Philippines who have already qualified for the Final 8 on virtue of their FIP rankings. Saturday's Matches (Start at 1.30pm) Men's Section Group A: Kuwait vs Bahrain Group B: Pakistan vs China Group C: Jordan vs Saudi Arabia Group D: Japan vs Kazakhstan Group D: Philippines vs Lebanon Women's Section Group A: Thailand vs Qatar Group B: Bahrain vs Indonesia Group C: UAE vs China Group C: Saudi Arabia vs Pakistan Venue: Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex Teams Participation Seventeen teams compete in the men’s tournament: Bahrain, China, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Thailand, UAE, Qatar, Australia, and Iran. In the women’s category, there are 14 teams: Bahrain, China, Indonesia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, UAE, Qatar, Japan, Australia, Philippines, and Iran. The initial phase runs from October 17–19, with the top teams from each group advancing to the Final 8, scheduled for October 20–24. Results Men's Results Group A: Bahrain bt Indonesia 3-0 Group B: China bt Thailand 3-0 Group C: Saudi Arabia bt South Korea 3-0 Group D: Kazakhstan bt Philippines 3-0 Group D: Lebanon bt Japan 2-1 Women's Results Group A: Lebanon bt Qatar 3-0 Group B: Indonesia bt Kuwait 3-0 Group C: UAE bt Pakistan 2-1 Group C: Saudi Arabia bt China 2-1

Preparations are in full swing for the FIP Asia Padel Cup (Qatar 2025), set to take place from October 17 to 24, at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.The tournament will be held in two phases. The first stage, from October 17-19, will feature 17 national teams ranked between 5th and 21st across Asia and Oceania, divided into four groups. Group winners will advance to the final stage, joining the top four ranked teams in the region for the concluding phase from October 20-24.Tariq Zainal, President of the Asian Padel Federation and Secretary-General of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel, and Badminton Federation, confirmed that logistical and technical preparations are nearly complete to welcome participating teams.As part of the event's buildup, the federation announced a platinum sponsorship agreement with Qatar Rail during a press conference held on Thursday. The deal was signed by Zainal and Head of Strategy and Business Development at Qatar Rail, Ajlan Al Enazi.Zainal hailed the partnership as a strong example of collaboration between the sports sector and national institutions.Meanwhile, Al Enezi expressed pride in supporting the first edition of the championship, stating the sponsorship reflects Qatar Rail's corporate social responsibility strategy and commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and national sporting events.He added that sport plays a vital role in community building and youth empowerment, aligning with Qatar's broader social development goals.

Qatar made their path to the 2026 World Cup more difficult after being held to a drab 0-0 draw by Oman in the opening match of the fourth round of Asia’s World Cup qualifiers Wednesday at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.It was a below-par performance from both teams, as neither Qatar nor Oman showed the urgency expected in such a crucial fixture. The result leaves Qatar and Oman tied on a point each in Group A. To stay in contention for automatic qualification, Qatar will need to defeat the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday and rely on the outcome of Saturday’s encounter between Oman and the Emiratis.Only the group winners will earn automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup, to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. The runners-up will advance to a playoff against the second-placed team from Group B, which is being contested in Saudi Arabia, where Iraq and Indonesia are the other sides.Akram Afif squandered Qatar’s best chance early in the second half, while substitute Mohammed Muntari failed to get enough power on his shot as a resolute Oman held firm to secure a point.Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui had spoken beforehand about the pressure his side is facing in trying to qualify for the World Cup on merit for the first time. The 2022 World Cup hosts have historically struggled in the qualifiers, and that inconsistency resurfaced last night in a disjointed display.Lopetegui, who kept his squad selection under wraps on the eve of the match, handed debuts to 20-year-old Al Gharafa defender Ayoub Aloui and 25-year-old Al Rayyan goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada. He also left strikers Almoez Ali and Muntari on the bench, opting instead to start with Ahmed al-Ganehi and Edmilson Junior in support of mercurial star Afif.The Spaniard later said his playing XI decisions were influenced by injuries in the squad. “The starting lineup was ideal given the injuries, and all the players gave their best to achieve the desired result,” Lopetegui said after the match.Qatar dominated possession in the first half, with Sultan al-Brake and Edmilson causing early problems for Oman. But it was Carlos Queiroz’s side — seeking their first-ever World Cup appearance — who had the best opportunity when a wayward backpass from al-Brake almost caught out Abunada, forcing the debutant goalkeeper to concede a throw-in under pressure from Issam al-Sabhi.Boualem Khoukhi, who captained Qatar on the night, had the first look at goal in the 13th minute, but the defender’s shot flew wide of the target. Al-Sabhi continued to be Oman’s biggest threat, skipping past his marker with a neat turn in the 27th minute before seeing his powerful left-footed effort comfortably saved by Abunada.Qatar almost capitalised six minutes later when Mohammed al-Mannai slipped a clever ball through to Afif, who tried to catch Oman napping, but goalkeeper Ibrahim al-Rushaidi was alert to the danger and made a solid intervention.Nasser al-Rawahi came close for Oman, glancing a header just over the bar from a corner, while Qatar’s best effort before the break came from Afif, whose shot was easily dealt with by the Omani defence.Afif should have put the hosts ahead soon after the interval when the visitors gifted him possession inside their own half, but the Asian Player of the Year uncharacteristically side-footed wide of the post.Oman nearly punished Qatar in the 69th minute when Abunada rushed off his line to clear a cross, leaving his goal momentarily exposed, but Abdullah Fawaz’s long-range attempt failed to find the target. Almoez was introduced in the 57th minute for al-Ganehi, while Muntari also had a chance in the added time, but both could not inspire Qatar to victory as the teams settled for a share of the spoils.After the match, Lopetegui remained defiant, insisting his team had done enough to win. “We performed well throughout the match against a stubborn team that defended well and closed down spaces. Despite that, we created several opportunities but couldn’t convert them into goals,” the former Spain and Real Madrid coach said.“We will continue to pursue our dream of qualifying for the World Cup. Today’s draw against Oman hasn’t negatively impacted the team or added pressure ahead of the UAE match,” he added.Oman coach Carlos Queiroz — who previously had a brief stint with Qatar — was satisfied to take home a point. “We performed well and managed to stop Qatar’s attacks, which we expected given they were playing at home,” the Portuguese veteran said.“We knew the match would be tough, so we played with high spirit. Despite our solid defence, we also created chances but couldn’t score. A draw is the best result for both teams today. A loss would have hurt our chances of World Cup qualification. We don’t have much time before facing the UAE, but we’ll prepare well to keep our World Cup dream alive,” he added.

Qatar is set to take on Saudi Arabia Monday in the third round of the West Asia Women's Volleyball Championship, hosted in Amman, Jordan. After opening the tournament with defeats to Jordan and Iraq, Qatar is determined to secure their first win and regain momentum in the competition. Following the Saudi Arabia match, Qatar will face Lebanon on Tuesday before closing out their campaign against Syria on Thursday. The championship provides a key testing ground for the Qatari squad as they aim to gauge their progress, sharpen their skills, and build stronger performances in regional contests.

Pakistan captain Salman Agha said India had “disrespected cricket” while Indian counterpart Suryakumar Yadav complained his side were denied the trophy after winning a fraught Asia Cup overshadowed by ill feeling on both sides.The two teams did not shake hands for the third Asia Cup match running as India won a thrilling final by five wickets in Dubai on Sunday.Suryakumar’s men then refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), who is also chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan interior minister.The Indian players instead celebrated retaining their regional crown by mimicking holding a trophy.Suryakumar told reporters: “I think this is one thing which I have never seen since I started playing cricket that the champion team is denied the trophy.“We took the call on the ground about not taking the trophy.”The Twenty20 tournament in the UAE was the first time the Asian cricket giants had met since a deadly military conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours in May.Tensions had been running high after the two previous matches in the competition saw political posturing and a series of flashpoints between the two teams.“If you tell me about the trophies, my trophies are sitting in my dressing room - all the 14 players and support staff. They are the real trophies for me,” said Suryakumar.“It appeared on the big screen that India is Asia Cup 2025 champion. It was a great journey and moment for us as a team.” The presentation ceremony was delayed for an hour before announcer Simon Doull said: “I have been informed by the ACC that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight. So that does conclude the post-match presentation.”Pakistan’s Agha said India’s actions during the tournament had been “bad for cricket”.“I think what has happened in this tournament is very disappointing,” Agha told reporters.“If they think they disrespected us by not shaking hands, then I say they disrespected cricket.“What they did today, a good team doesn’t do that. Good teams do what we have done. We waited for our medals and took them.“It’s been seen for the first time. I do not know where it will stop. What has happened in this tournament is bad for cricket.”In Sunday’s final, India’s third win over Pakistan in as many matches, India pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah bowled Haris Rauf for six and celebrated the dismissal with a crashing-plane gesture.Rauf had made a similar motion in the previous meeting between the two teams, appearing to mock India’s military action.Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan previously mimicked a gun celebration after hitting a half-century.Tensions spill into cricket India and Pakistan only meet in cricket on neutral territory in international tournaments because of long-simmering tensions between the arch-rivals.Both countries claimed victory in the four-day conflict in May that killed more than 70 people in missile, drone and military fire on each side.India tagged its military action against Pakistan “Operation Sindoor”, the Hindi word for vermilion, which married Hindu women wear on their foreheads.The name was seen as a symbol of Delhi’s determination to avenge those widowed in the April 22 attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which sparked the hostilities.“#OperationSindoor on the games field,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X after Sunday’s win.“Outcome is the same - India wins! Congrats to our cricketers.”Naqvi was quick to respond, saying: “If war was your measure of pride, history already records your humiliating defeats at Pakistan’s hands.”