The Women’s Asia Cup trophy remained uncollected after India declined to receive it from ACC president Mohsin Naqvi following their 72-run final victory over Sri Lanka.

DUBAI: The Women’s Asia Cup trophy became the centre of an unusual post-match standoff after India’s women declined to receive it from Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi following their commanding victory over Sri Lanka at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs on September 13 to secure a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title. However, the champions did not come forward to receive the trophy while Naqvi was involved in the presentation ceremony.

Naqvi is president of the ACC, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan’s interior minister.

Why did India not accept the trophy?

The decision reflected the BCCI’s existing position regarding Naqvi amid strained relations between India and Pakistan.

India head coach Amol Muzumdar confirmed after the match that the team supported the Indian board’s stance. Reports also said the BCCI had communicated its position to the ACC before the final.

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu received the runners-up cheque from Naqvi, but the Indian players did not return for their winners’ presentation.

The Women’s Asia Cup trophy was therefore not formally presented to the champions on the field.

The episode echoed the 2025 Men’s Asia Cup in Dubai, when India’s men also declined to accept their trophy from Naqvi following their victory in the final.

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How did India win the final?

The controversy came after a dominant Indian performance.

Shafali Verma scored 68 and Smriti Mandhana added 59 as India reached 183 for five from 20 overs. The pair put together a 129-run opening partnership in just 12.5 overs.

Sri Lanka struggled to build momentum during the chase and were dismissed for 111. Left-arm spinner Sree Charani led India’s bowling with four wickets for 20 runs, sealing a 72-run victory.

The result gave India their eighth Women’s Asia Cup crown and restored their place at the top of the continental competition after Sri Lanka won the previous edition.

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What happens to the trophy now?

Despite not collecting the Women’s Asia Cup trophy during the presentation, India remain the official 2026 champions.

The unusual ceremony does not change the tournament result, but it has once again brought cricket administration and India-Pakistan relations into focus after a major final.

For the players, attention will quickly shift back to cricket, with the Asian Games in Japan providing their next major assignment.

Impact to expect

Tension. The presentation dispute could add another complication to India-Pakistan cricket relations and increase scrutiny of how the ACC handles future ceremonies involving officials from both countries.