India’s Stubborn Stance Continues: Women’s Team Also Refuses Asia Cup Trophy from Mohsin Naqvi

Dubai: India’s hardline position on cricket diplomacy remained unchanged on Sunday as the women’s team refused to accept the Women’s Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi after clinching a record-extending eighth title.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s side defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India posted 183 for 5, powered by half-centuries from openers Shafali Verma (68) and Smriti Mandhana (59), before bowling Sri Lanka out for 111. Left-arm spinner Sree Charani claimed four wickets.

However, the post-match presentation ceremony descended into controversy. Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan’s Interior Minister, was present on the dais as the designated presenter. The Indian players and support staff stayed away from the stage, remaining near or inside their dressing room. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu and her teammates collected their runners-up medals and cheque from Naqvi, after which the ceremony concluded without the winners receiving either medals or the trophy.

India head coach Amol Muzumdar confirmed the decision was directed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). “That stand has been taken by the BCCI, and we stand by it. For us, this tournament is over. We are the champions. Trophy or no trophy doesn’t matter to us,” he said at the post-match press conference.

The episode mirrors last year’s men’s Asia Cup final in the same venue, when the Indian team also declined to collect the trophy from Naqvi after defeating Pakistan. BCCI officials have previously stated they will not accept the trophy from the ACC chairman because he holds a senior political position in Pakistan.

ACC sources maintained that the presentation protocol required Naqvi to hand over the trophy, and the silverware remains with the ACC. Naqvi left the stadium after presenting the runners-up award, without taking the winners’ trophy with him.