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 Indian women’s cricket team beat Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After winning a record-eighth title, the players did not appear on the podium to receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The presentation was delayed about 40 minutes; Naqvi handed the runners-up cheque to Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu and left without handing the trophy to India.
Background & Context
The standoff mirrors the men’s team’s refusal to accept the 2025 Asia Cup trophy from the same official after India’s victory over Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has a policy of not receiving the trophy from Naqvi, describing him as “a senior Pakistani political leader” whose dual role makes the handover politically sensitive.
Data & Statistics
- India: 183/5 (20 overs) – openers Shafali Verma 68 and Smriti Mandhana 59 put on a 129-run opening stand, the highest for any wicket in a Women’s T20 Asia Cup final.
- Sri Lanka: 111 all out (20 overs).
- Bowling: Sree Charani 4/20, Deepti Sharma 3/19.
- Ceremony delay: about 40 minutes.
Official Statements & Responses
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said the board had discussed the matter and decided not to accept the trophy from Naqvi, noting that Naqvi “did not raise any objection.” Secretary Devajit Saikia explained that the BCCI had offered alternative presenters, which Naqvi rejected.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “The matter falls under the BCCI’s purview and comes within its jurisdiction.” Head coach Amol Muzumdar reiterated that the board’s position was final and that the team was proud to be champions regardless of the trophy’s whereabouts.
Criticism & Opposition
Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif questioned Naqvi’s ability to manage cricket while holding a senior political office, asking, “Are they living in the past? Don’t they have a reality check?”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some outlets claim Naqvi left the stadium with the trophy, now kept at the ACC headquarters in Dubai; others say the trophy’s fate remains unclear. Neither the ACC nor the BCCI has confirmed its location.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We discussed the matter among ourselves and decided that we would not accept it (trophy) from him. It was our collective decision. He (Naqvi) also did not raise any objection to it,” — Rajeev Shukla, vice president
- “The matter falls under the BCCI’s purview and comes within its jurisdiction.” — Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson
Why It Matters
The episode shows how India-Pakistan geopolitical tensions can affect sport, challenging ACC protocols for award presentations. By refusing the trophy, the BCCI signals solidarity with national sentiment and may prompt the ACC to revise its presentation policies.
What’s Next
The Indian women’s team will travel to Japan for the Asian Games, opening their cricket campaign on September 18 2026. The BCCI will continue to raise the trophy-handing issue with the ACC and ICC, though no timeline for the trophy’s return has been announced.