A familiar diplomatic impasse overshadowed the celebrations at the Dubai International Stadium, as the Indian women’s cricket team finished their triumphant Asia Cup campaign without receiving the winner’s trophy. This mirrors a similar situation from last year when the Indian men’s team also departed without the silverware following their victory. Despite securing a decisive 72-run win over Sri Lanka in the final, the Indian squad faced an empty podium after refusing to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi.
The dispute arose when Naqvi, who also chairs the Pakistan Cricket Board, arrived at the venue shortly before the match concluded with the intention of leading the presentation. The Indian contingent held firm on their position that the trophy should be presented by someone else, specifically suggesting ACC vice-president Khalid Al Zarooni. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had previously indicated this preference to media outlets, yet the disagreement remained unresolved. Consequently, the ceremony proceeded as a compromise without the formal presentation of medals or the trophy to the winning team.
During the event, Naqvi appeared on the dais to present the runners-up cheque to the Sri Lankan team alongside other officials, including Sri Lanka Cricket’s Eran Wickramaratne, ECB secretary general Mubashir Usmani, and a representative from the tournament sponsor, DP World. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and vice-president Rajeev Shukla observed from the sidelines but declined to join the stage with Naqvi.
Head coach Amol Muzumdar addressed the controversy following the match, confirming that the team was unified in following the BCCI’s directive. He emphasized that the team’s status as champions, officially recognized on the stadium’s display boards, was the primary achievement. Muzumdar stated that the tournament is now officially behind them as the side shifts its focus toward preparing for the upcoming Asian Games, maintaining that the players and support staff remain proud of their performance on the field.
The tension reflects a continuing pattern in regional cricket diplomacy, with the BCCI maintaining its stance since the atmosphere became strained following security incidents last year. While the 2026 Asia Cup trophy remained out of reach, the team’s internal resolution to prioritize the championship title over formal ceremony protocols ensured the conclusion of their successful run in the competition. The report also notes that almost 12 months after Suryakumar Yadav’s victorious Indian team came home without the Asia Cup Trophy, Harmanpreet Kaur’s triumphant Indian side has had to undergo the same experience — returning home empty – despite wi. The report also notes that only to be denied the silverware, they beat Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final. The report also notes that just as it was not acceptable to the Indian men’s team on September 28 last year, it was not acceptable to them. The report also notes that the past comes full circle and the familiar script repeats itself. The report also notes that and we are united and standing by it, he went on to repeat the comments to another question. “The stand has been taken by the BCCI.
