The Indian women's cricket team did not accept the Asia Cup trophy from ACC chairperson Mohsin Naqvi following their victory over Sri Lanka in Dubai.
Key facts
- •India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs to secure their eighth Asia Cup title.
- •The Indian team did not participate in the formal trophy presentation ceremony on the field.
- •BCCI officials stated the decision was made in response to the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.
- •Mohsin Naqvi, the ACC chairperson, presented the runners-up award to Sri Lanka before leaving the stadium.
- •BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla confirmed that Naqvi did not raise any objection to the Indian team's decision.
The Indian women's cricket team declined to receive the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairperson Mohsin Naqvi after defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final on September 13, 2026. This decision mirrored an action taken by the Indian men's team the previous year. BCCI officials confirmed the move was a collective board decision, noting that Naqvi did not object to the team's refusal to accept the prize from him.
Board Stance and Rationale
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla stated that the board decided collectively that the team would not accept the trophy from Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan's Interior Minister. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia explained that the board's position shifted following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. According to Saikia, the team's refusal expresses solidarity with the men's team's previous stance and reflects public pressure regarding relations with Pakistan, while maintaining the government's policy to participate in multinational tournaments.
Presentation Ceremony Details
During the post-tournament ceremony in Dubai, the Indian players did not return to the field to accept the trophy. While the Sri Lankan team accepted their runners-up medals and cheque from Naqvi and SLC interim chief Eran Wikramaratne, the Indian team conducted an impromptu celebration on the dais without the physical prize. The trophy remains at the ACC office.
Timeline
- April 2025The Pahalgam terror attack occurred, leading to a shift in BCCI policy.
- 2025The Indian men's cricket team declined to receive the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi.
- September 13, 2026The Indian women's team won the Asia Cup final but declined the trophy from Naqvi.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Hindu Sport, Times of India Sports.
