India Women’s Asia Cup Trophy: Stunning Controversy After Final | Shyok Times
India Women’s Asia Cup Trophy celebrations were overshadowed by controversy after India’s women’s cricket team declined to collect the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi following their 72-run victory over Sri Lanka in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final in Dubai.
India produced a dominant performance to win the tournament, posting 183/5 before restricting Sri Lanka to claim a comprehensive victory and secure a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title.
However, the post-match presentation became the main talking point. According to reports, the trophy presentation was delayed for more than 30 minutes as the Indian players did not come out to receive the silverware from Naqvi, who also serves as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan’s interior minister.
The turn of events mirrored the men's Asia Cup final last September, which concluded with India refusing to accept the trophy from Naqvi.
— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) September 13, 2026
At the time, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had said the team didn't want to take the trophy from someone who also happened to be "one of the… pic.twitter.com/Jh0pZnaG9S
The ACC said the presentation arrangements had been finalised and that the trophy was available for the winning side. Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu received the runners-up cheque from Naqvi, while the Indian team did not collect the winners’ trophy during the ceremony.
India head coach Amol Muzumdar said the decision was taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and that the team supported the position. He maintained that India had won the championship and that the tournament was over for the team.
The episode closely resembles the controversy surrounding last year’s men’s Asia Cup final, when India also declined to receive the trophy from Naqvi after defeating Pakistan. That incident caused a lengthy delay in the post-match presentation and left the trophy at the ACC office.
The latest India Women’s Asia Cup Trophy controversy has once again brought politics and cricket into the same conversation. Pakistani officials criticised the decision, arguing that sporting events should preserve the traditions of respect and sportsmanship.
𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍 👑
— ICC (@ICC) September 13, 2026
India showcased their dominance with an unprecedented eighth Women’s Asia Cup title, defeating Sri Lanka in the final in style 👊
How it unfolded ➡️ https://t.co/AUjCTQEkz0 pic.twitter.com/tpnJx2ts2u
Despite the controversy, India’s achievement on the field remains significant. The team completed an unbeaten campaign and secured another continental title, with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana making important contributions in the final while India’s spinners dominated Sri Lanka’s chase.
The incident is likely to fuel further debate over whether political tensions between India and Pakistan should continue to affect cricket’s traditional post-match ceremonies.
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