India refuse to collect Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi after beating Sri Lanka

India’s women’s cricket team sparked controversy after refusing to collect the Asia Cup trophy and winners’ medals from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi following their 72-run victory over Sri Lanka in Sunday’s final in Dubai.

The trophy presentation was delayed by more than 30 minutes as the Indian team did not come onto the stage. Naqvi, who is also Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and the country’s interior minister, remained on stage while the ceremony was held up.

According to reports, the presentation eventually concluded without India receiving their winners’ medals or trophy. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, meanwhile, collected the runners-up cheque from Naqvi.

The final ended at around 9:55pm UAE time, but there were reportedly no signs of the presentation beginning even by 10:30pm. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur was interviewed by broadcasters before the customary trophy presentation.

India head coach Amol Muzumdar confirmed that the decision was based on the BCCI’s stance.

“The stand has been taken by the BCCI, and we stand by it,” Muzumdar said. “For us, this tournament is over. We are the champions; that’s good enough. It was on the big board that India are the champions of Asia Cup 2026.”

When asked whether the trophy would suffer the same fate as the men’s Asia Cup trophy from last year, Muzumdar replied that he had “no news” on the matter.

The incident closely mirrors last year’s men’s Asia Cup final, when India also refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi after defeating Pakistan. The latest episode has once again brought questions over the mixing of cricket with political tensions and the traditional spirit of sportsmanship.

Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry criticised India’s decision, accusing the country of “destroying the sports culture.”

“Sports spirit matters. If you do not have that spirit, then victory or defeat means nothing,” Chaudhry said, adding that Pakistan had not politicised sport and remained open to dialogue.

India Dominate Sri Lanka

On the field, India produced a commanding

performance to win the Asia Cup for a record eighth time. Shafali Verma scored 68 while Smriti Mandhana contributed 59 as India posted 185-5 in their 20 overs.

Sri Lanka struggled in the chase, with only Chamari Athapaththu, Vishmi Gunaratne and Nilakshi de Silva reaching double figures. Athapaththu top-scored with 36 off 32 balls.

Shree Charani then claimed four wickets, while Deepti Sharma took three, as Sri Lanka were bowled out and India secured a comprehensive 72-run victory.

Harmanpreet Kaur praised her team’s performance, saying India had maintained the high standards they had set for themselves throughout the tournament.

Athapaththu accepted the defeat but vowed that Sri Lanka would bounce back at the upcoming Asian Games.

“We did not play our best game in all three departments. They played very well. But we will bounce back,” she said.