Full Breakdown
India’s Women Refuse Asia Cup Trophy from Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 13, 2026 the India women’s cricket team defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After winning their eighth title, the players did not come onto the stage to receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The ceremony was delayed about 40 minutes; Naqvi handed the runners-up cheque to Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu and left without presenting the trophy to India.
Background & Context
The refusal echoes the men’s Asia Cup final in September 2025, when India’s senior men also declined the trophy from Naqvi after beating Pakistan. The BCCI had warned the ACC that the women’s team would not accept the trophy, citing the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and ensuing hostilities.
Data & Statistics
- India posted 183/5 in 20 overs, with openers Shafali Verma 68 (39 balls) and Smriti Mandhana 59 (39 balls) for a 129-run partnership.
- Sri Lanka were bowled out for 111; left-arm spinner Sree Charani took 4/20, and Deepti Sharma claimed 3/19.
- The win secured India’s eighth Women’s Asia Cup title.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Amol Muzumdar said the refusal was a board-driven policy and that the team would now focus on the Asian Games.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That stand has been taken by the BCCI, and we stand by it. For us, this tournament is over. We are the champions,” — Amol Muzumdar, head coach
- “Given the circumstances and the sentiments prevailing in the country, the BCCI felt that it would not be appropriate for the team to receive the trophy in the proposed manner.” — Devajit Saikia, BCCI secretary
On-the-Ground Reports
Video showed Naqvi seated in the Royal Box with BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla and Saikia. The Indian players stayed in the dressing-room while Sri Lanka collected their runners-up medals. Crowd chants of “trophy chor” (trophy thief) were audible as Naqvi exited.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the trophy’s location. Some say Naqvi took it to the ACC headquarters in Dubai; others have not confirmed its whereabouts. No official statement has set a date for the Indian team to receive the physical award.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights how India-Pakistan geopolitical tensions are affecting multinational sport. By refusing the trophy, the BCCI signals a policy of non-engagement with Pakistani officials while still complying with ICC mandates to participate in multilateral tournaments. It also raises questions about the ACC’s role in navigating political disputes without compromising the “spirit of the game.”
What’s Next
The Indian women’s squad will travel to Japan for the Asian Games, opening their cricket campaign against the host nation on September 18, 2026. The Games begin on September 19, 2026. No timeline has been provided for the eventual hand-over of the Asia Cup trophy.