Indian women’s team refuses Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi amid fresh controversy
DUBAI: The Indian women’s cricket team reportedly refused to receive the Asia Cup 2026 trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi after defeating Sri Lanka in the final, triggering a fresh controversy over the intersection of cricket and politics.
According to ACC sources, the trophy presentation ceremony had been fully finalised and the championship trophy was available for the victorious Indian team. However, the Indian players chose not to receive the trophy from Naqvi.
The development has sparked another dispute surrounding the presentation of an Asia Cup trophy to an Indian team in the presence of the ACC president.
ACC sources criticised the decision, saying that “cricket once again has been overshadowed by politics” and describing the move as contrary to the spirit of sportsmanship.
The sources said Sunday’s incident was the second such episode involving an Indian team within a year.
They added that the trophy remains available for the Indian team and stressed that the ACC’s position on the matter had not changed.
“The trophy is available to the winning Indian team,” the sources said, adding that the trophy previously won by India was also still available and was only awaiting collection.
The sources further maintained that Naqvi had not changed his position and continued to stand by his earlier stance on the issue.
The controversy comes after India produced a dominant performance in the final, defeating defending champions Sri Lanka by 72 runs to claim the ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2026 title.
India posted a formidable total before restricting Sri Lanka to secure a comprehensive victory and lift the continental title.