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, usually the grand climax of such tournaments, descended into confusion when Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi walked off the stage with the trophy before it could be handed to the champions. While individual awards were distributed by other guests, the glittering silverware itself was taken backstage, leaving players, officials, and fans bewildered.

Nearly an hour after Rinku Singh's winning boundary off Haris Rauf sealed the five-wicket win, the champions were still waiting for their crowning moment. According to sources within the Indian camp, the players had refused to receive the trophy directly from Naqvi. They were, however, ready to accept it from another dignitary, but the ACC chief did not allow that alternative.

At first, India stayed on the field while Pakistan headed to the dressing room. When both teams eventually assembled by the presentation podium, the guests — including Naqvi, Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam Bulbul, and Emirates Cricket Board vice-president Khalid Al Zarooni -- climbed onto the stage. The trophy was even brought out, but the ceremony stalled inexplicably. From afar, no one knew why the wait continued.

Pakistan's late arrival further delayed proceedings. Almost 30 minutes passed before they entered the ground, and only then did the presentation formally begin, with former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull hosting. The umpires received their mementos, Pakistan players collected their souvenirs, and Salman Ali Agha — while taking the runners-up cheque — tossed aside the "Runners-Up" placard in visible frustration.

The individual awards brought some cheer. Abhishek Sharma was named player of the tournament for scoring 314 runs at an average of 44.85. Tilak Varma, with his unbeaten 69 off 53 balls in the final, took home the player of the final award. Kuldeep Yadav was also recognised as the valuable player of the event. These prizes were presented by company sponsors and other guests, with Naqvi still standing on stage.

But when the moment for the champions' trophy finally arrived, events took an unprecedented turn. All the dignitaries abruptly stepped down from the stage and exited, and the trophy -- which had been on display moments earlier — was taken back inside. To stunned silence, Doull announced that India would not be receiving the trophy that night.

Left without their prize, the Indian players improvised their celebration. Hardik Pandya sat down on the stage with his medal, soon joined by his teammates, as they posed with their individual awards in an unusual sight for a tournament-winning side.

At the post-match press conference, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav expressed his disbelief:
"Since the time I started playing cricket, since I started following the game, I've never seen a champion team being denied the trophy," he said. He confirmed that the team's request to receive the cup from someone other than Naqvi had been rejected, which led to the deadlock.

The night, which should have been remembered for India's first-ever Asia Cup final win over Pakistan, instead ended in chaos and controversy. The on-field triumph -- chasing down Pakistan's 147 with two balls to spare -- was overshadowed by a presentation saga that is certain to fuel debate in the days to come.