The Unclaimed Women's Asia Cup Trophy: Why India Refused Naqvi

On Sunday in Dubai, the Indian women's cricket team defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs to secure their eighth Women's Asia Cup title, but the victory was overshadowed by a post-match standoff. Acting on strict directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her squad refused to accept the Women's Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi. The incident, occurring at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, mirrors a nearly identical controversy involving the Indian men's team in September 2025. This development highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions permeating regional cricket and raises questions about the future administrative protocols for multinational sporting events in Asia.

Diplomatic Standoff at Post-Match Presentation

Following their comprehensive 72-run victory over Sri Lanka, the Indian team celebrated their championship on the field but intentionally abstained from the formal trophy handover. According to officials present at the venue, Mohsin Naqvi—who concurrently serves as the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan's Interior Minister—was positioned on the podium to present the awards.

The presentation ceremony concluded abruptly after Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu received the runners-up cheque from Naqvi. The Indian players and support staff did not approach the stage to collect the Women's Asia Cup trophy or their winner's medals.

BCCI's Proposed Alternatives Rejected

The BCCI had reportedly informed the ACC in advance regarding their stance on the presentation protocol. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, who was present in Dubai, stated that the board proposed alternative arrangements to facilitate the ceremony and avoid public disruption.

According to Saikia, the BCCI requested that ACC Deputy Chair Khalid Al Zarooni present the Women's Asia Cup trophy to the Indian team. When this was declined, the Indian board suggested allowing a representative from the winning nation's board to hand over the silverware, aligning with some recent tournament practices. With neither side willing to compromise, Naqvi eventually left the stadium, and the trophy remained undistributed.

Echoes of the 2025 Men's Asia Cup Controversy

This weekend's events in Dubai are a direct repetition of the diplomatic impasse witnessed during the Men's Asia Cup final in September 2025. During that tournament, the Indian men's team similarly refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi. The ongoing friction stems from broader geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, which have heavily restricted bilateral sporting ties and frequently spilled over into multinational tournaments.

Official Sources Section

Information regarding the boardroom communications and the team's administrative directives was provided by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) through its secretary, Devajit Saikia. Post-match technical confirmations were addressed by India women's head coach Amol Muzumdar during the official press conference.

Quote Section

"That stand has been taken by BCCI and we stand by it. For us, this tournament is over. We are the champions. That's good enough," stated India head coach Amol Muzumdar during the post-match press conference.

Addressing the administrative negotiations, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia explained to reporters, "The BCCI offered Naqvi that the Asia Cup trophy be handed over to the Indian team by ACC deputy chair Khalid Al Zarooni. Of course, he turned it down... Naqvi remained adamant and the Indian team too refused to budge and refused to accept the trophy".

Why It Matters

The refusal to accept the Women's Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi underscores how deeply entrenched political disputes continue to disrupt international cricket. For fans and broadcasters, the recurring absence of a traditional championship celebration creates an awkward viewing experience and commercially impacts the tournament's climax. Furthermore, this persistent administrative gridlock within the Asian Cricket Council may force a formal review of protocol guidelines for future tournaments to prevent similar logistical embarrassments.

Key Facts at a Glance

• India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs to win their eighth Women's Asia Cup in Dubai.

• The Indian team refused to accept the Women's Asia Cup trophy from ACC President and PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi.

• The standoff was a directive from the BCCI, citing Naqvi's political role in the Pakistan government.

• The BCCI proposed that the ACC Deputy Chair present the award, but the request was rejected.

• The incident exactly repeats the controversy from the Men's Asia Cup final held at the same venue in 2025.

FAQ Section

Why did India refuse the Women's Asia Cup trophy? The Indian team, acting on directives from the BCCI, refused the trophy because it was being presented by Mohsin Naqvi, the ACC President who is also a senior political figure in the Pakistan government and the PCB Chairman.

Who won the 2026 Women's Asia Cup? India won the 2026 Women's Asia Cup by defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final held in Dubai.

Has this happened before in the Asia Cup? Yes, the Indian men's cricket team similarly refused to accept the championship trophy from Mohsin Naqvi after winning the Men's Asia Cup in September 2025.

Did the Indian team receive their medals? No, the presentation ceremony ended without the Indian players receiving the championship trophy or their winner's medals.

Where is the Women's Asia Cup trophy now? Following the standoff, the trophy was removed from the presentation area, and reports indicate it remains with the Asian Cricket Council.

Source: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Asian Cricket Council (ACC) post-match presentation broadcast, India Women's Cricket Team official press conference.