Dubai, September 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s women’s cricket team declined to receive the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi after defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Interior, was present for the presentation ceremony. However, the Indian players did not come forward to collect the trophy from him after securing a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title.
Instead, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and vice-president Rajiv Shukla were seen interacting with the players, with Saikia congratulating the team. He and Shukla also presented Nandani Sharma with a fielding medal.
The development followed a similar protocol adopted by the Indian men’s team after winning the 2025 T20 Asia Cup final against Pakistan. The men’s team had also declined to receive the trophy from Naqvi. Reports at the time said the presentation deadlock lasted for nearly an hour before the trophy was removed from the stadium.
The latest decision comes amid tensions between India and Pakistan, with the Indian players reportedly objecting to receiving the trophy from Naqvi over his role as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and allegations concerning Pakistan’s support for terrorism against India.
Reports also said the BCCI had written to Naqvi regarding the handover of the trophy, but the Indian team left without formally receiving it.
On the field, India produced a dominant performance. They posted 183/5, powered by Shafali Verma’s 68 and Smriti Mandhana’s 59. The opening pair added a record 129-run partnership to lay the foundation for a big total.
India’s bowlers then completed the job, with Shree Charani claiming four wickets and Deepti Sharma taking three as Sri Lanka were restricted to 111.
The victory gave India their eighth Women’s Asia Cup title.
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