NEW DELHI: Asia Cup champions India on Sunday refused to accept the winners' trophy from ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan's interior minister and the chairman of the country's cricket board.

Former New Zealand pacer and commentator Simon Doull, who was overseeing the post-match presentation, concluded by announcing that the Indian team would not be collecting their awards.

"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," he said.

As Naqvi approached for the presentation, the Indian players stood their ground about 15 yards away, delaying the formalities significantly.

Reports suggest the Indian team management inquired about who was meant to present the trophy, prompting the ACC to huddle, aware that their chairman was not an acceptable choice for the champions.

When Naqvi finally took the stage, Indian fans erupted in boos, chanting loudly, "Bharat Mata Ki Jai!"

As Naqvi stepped onto the dais, he was informed that the Indian team would refuse the trophy if he attempted to present it, and that an official protest would be lodged. While he waited, an official from the organizers quickly whisked the trophy away into the dressing room.

Having not shaken hands with Pakistani players throughout the three Asia Cup games and also avoided the customary pre-toss photoshoot, the Indian team had sent the message to ACC that it won't accept the trophy from the ACC chairman.

In another dramatic development, the Pakistani players didn't emerge from the dressing room even after an hour since the match had ended with only their chairman stranded and embarrassed, wanting to do the honours as per continental body's protocol.

After nearly 55 minutes, Salman Agha and his teammates emerged and were greeted with shouts of "Indiaaaa, Indiaaaaa".

It was a foregone conclusion that India won't accept the trophy from Naqvi, who had posted cryptic videos of Cristiano Ronaldo's plane crash gesture celebrations which is a direct reference to the Pakistani claims that six Indian jets were downed during 'Operation Sindoor'.

Naqvi is also behind demanding that ICC charge Surya with a Level 4 offence for standing by the Indian Army and showing solidarity with victims of Pahalgam terror attack.

(With PTI Inputs)