India capped their unbeaten Asia Cup campaign by defeating arch rivals Pakistan in Sunday's final but refused to collect the trophy they successfully retained in a bizarre end to a politically charged tournament.

The presentation ceremony was first delayed, prompting speculation about what caused it, and then abruptly cut short just before the winner's trophy was about to be handed over.

"I have been informed by the Asian Cricket Council that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight," Simon Doull, who conducted the post-match presentation, said.

No reason was given as to why the champions would not accept the trophy.

Emotions ran high and tempers frayed in the earlier matches between the bitter neighbours, who clashed in a military conflict in May this ye

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