“It Was a Team Decision”: Muzumdar Explains India’s Mohsin Naqvi Snub

Kalpana Kanungo - Mumbai Bureau Sep 14, 2026 2,050 Views

India head coach Amol Muzumdar has strongly backed the BCCI's decision after the women's team bypassed the presentation ceremony to avoid accepting the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi. Muzumdar affirmed that the squad is proud of their title victory and has shifted focus to upcoming tournaments.

DUBAI — Indian women's cricket team head coach Amol Muzumdar has formally addressed the post-match controversy that overshadowed India's triumphant Women's Asia Cup 2026 campaign. Following a commanding 72-run victory over Sri Lanka in the final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 13, 2026, the Indian squad skipped the official podium presentation to avoid collecting the championship silverware from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi.

Speaking to reporters during the post-match press conference, Muzumdar made it clear that the refusal was a collective directive issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Stressing unity within the camp, the coach downplayed the absence of the physical trophy, asserting that the team's dominant performance on the field remains the primary takeaway.

Directing Focus Toward On-Field Dominance and Upcoming Fixtures

The high-stakes standoff erupted after Board officials and ACC representatives failed to reach a consensus during pre-presentation negotiations. According to senior BCCI representatives, the board had floated alternative presentation options—including delegating the trophy handover to ACC deputy chair Khalid Al Zarooni or permitting a representative from the winning board to present it—both of which were reportedly rejected. As neither side budged, the presentation concluded after runners-up Sri Lanka received their awards, leaving the stage empty as Naqvi departed without handing over the trophy to India.

Muzumdar emphasized that the players and support staff are entirely unfazed by the administrative deadlock, choosing instead to celebrate their eighth continental title. The team's opening batters, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, laid the foundation with robust half-centuries to post 183 for 5, before bowlers Deepti Sharma and Sree Charani dismantled the Sri Lankan chase. With the continental tournament concluded, the squad has pivoted its preparation toward the upcoming Asian Games.

According to official tournament statements, board disclosures, and post-match media briefings:

Match Outcome: India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs to claim the Women's Asia Cup 2026 crown.
BCCI Directive: The decision to skip the podium ceremony and avoid receiving the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi came directly from the Indian cricket board.
Alternative Proposals: The BCCI offered compromises involving alternate presenters, which were not adopted.
Team Stance: Coaching staff and players expressed total unity with the board's policy, shifting focus immediately to upcoming international engagements.

Official Sources Section

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Official Disclosures: Administrative policy updates, executive statements, and tournament operational notices.
Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Tournament Archives: Official match fixtures, championship records, and presentation protocol guidelines.

Quote Section

"According to India head coach Amol Muzumdar, 'That stand has been taken by the BCCI, and we stand by it. For us, this tournament is over. We are the champions. That's good enough.'"

Why It Matters

For international cricket administration, the repeated standoff over trophy presentations highlights deepening diplomatic friction across regional boards. For fans and players, the incident underscores how geopolitical tensions continue to intersect with on-field celebrations, altering traditional post-match protocols at major multi-nation events.

Key Facts at a Glance

Tournament: Women's T20 Asia Cup 2026 (Dubai).
Final Result: India beat Sri Lanka by 72 runs.
Key Figure: Head Coach Amol Muzumdar.
Core Issue: Rejection of trophy handover from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi.

FAQ Session

Why did the Indian women's team refuse to collect the Asia Cup trophy?

The team followed a directive issued by the BCCI to skip the presentation ceremony and avoid receiving the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi.

What was Amol Muzumdar's reaction to the trophy controversy?

Head coach Amol Muzumdar backed the board's decision entirely, stating that the team is proud to be champions and considers the tournament officially over regardless of the physical trophy handover.

Did the BCCI offer any compromises before the presentation?

Yes. Board officials proposed alternate presenters, such as ACC deputy chair Khalid Al Zarooni, but no agreement was reached.

Where can stakeholders review official updates on India's cricket schedules?

Fixture lists, match summaries, and official board statements are accessible via the BCCI Official Portal.