India’s women’s cricket team declined to receive the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi after defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final in Dubai on Sunday. The incident has added another chapter to the strained cricketing relationship between India and Pakistan.
India secured the title with a dominant performance but reportedly did not come out of the dressing room to collect the trophy from Naqvi. He attended the presentation ceremony in his role as ACC president and is also chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
According to ACC sources, the trophy presentation protocol had been agreed upon before the final. Sources said the Indian team itself decided not to receive the trophy from Naqvi.
ACC Sources Cite Similar Previous Incidents
An ACC source said Naqvi’s position had remained unchanged and referred to a similar incident during the men’s Asia Cup. Last year, India’s men’s team also declined to receive the trophy from Naqvi after winning the tournament.
The latest development comes amid ongoing tensions between the two neighbouring countries. Cricketing relations have frequently been affected by broader political disputes between India and Pakistan.
The 2025 men’s tournament also attracted attention following a no-handshake controversy involving the two sides. Later, India’s under-19 team reportedly declined to receive medals from Naqvi after a tournament in Dubai.
Political Reactions Follow Trophy Controversy
Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry criticised India’s decision. He claimed India had brought political issues into sport despite the spirit of international competition.
Chaudhry also referred to India’s earlier decision not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. That tournament was eventually played under a hybrid model, with India’s matches held at a neutral venue.
Under the existing arrangement, India and Pakistan matches in ICC events will continue at neutral venues through 2027. The latest controversy is likely to keep discussions over politics and cricket in the spotlight.
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