India celebrate Asia Cup win without trophy amid presentation row

India were left celebrating their Asia Cup triumph without the trophy after a dramatic turn of events in Dubai yesterday, following their five-wicket victory over archrivals Pakistan. 

The presentation ceremony descended into confusion when Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi left the stage with the trophy before it could be handed to the champions. While individual awards were presented to players from both teams by other guests, the main trophy was taken backstage.

Nearly an hour after the final ended, the situation remained unresolved as the trophy had yet to be presented to the Indian players.

According to sources in the Indian team, the players had refused to receive the trophy directly from Naqvi. Initially, the Indian team stayed on the field while Pakistan's players were in the dressing room. Once both sides were present, the guests took the stage, but the ceremony did not proceed. Moments later, Naqvi and his entourage left with the trophy, sparking controversy.

India, however, went on with their celebration with players holding aloft their individual awards -- an unusual sight in any sport. India opener Abhishek Sharma was awarded the player of the tournament, scoring 314 runs at an average of 44.85 in seven games. Tilak Varma won the player of the final award for his unbeaten 53-ball 69.