KATHMANDU: India's women's team left the Dubai International Cricket Stadium without the Women's Asia Cup trophy despite defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in Sunday's final.
The Indian cricketers declined to receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi, who is also chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan's interior minister.
India Today reported that the Board of Control for Cricket in India had informed tournament officials of its position before the presentation. The BCCI proposed that ACC deputy chair Khalid Al Zarooni present the trophy, but Naqvi rejected the arrangement.
The BCCI subsequently suggested that a representative of the winning board make the presentation. That proposal was also unsuccessful, leaving neither side willing to change its position.
Naqvi presented the runners-up cheque to Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, but the ceremony ended without India receiving the trophy or winners’ medals. India's players instead celebrated together on the field.
Head coach Amol Muzumdar confirmed that the decision had come from the Indian board.
"That stand has been taken by the BCCI and we stand by it," Muzumdar said after the match.
India nevertheless remain the official champions after securing their record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title.
After choosing to bat first, India posted 183/5 through a 129-run opening partnership between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. Verma top-scored with 68, while Mandhana made 59.
Sri Lanka were then dismissed for 111 from the final ball of their 20 overs. Sree Charani claimed 4/20 and Deepti Sharma returned 3/19 as India completed a comfortable victory.
The presentation dispute was a repeat of the controversy surrounding the 2025 men's Asia Cup final. India's men defeated Pakistan in Dubai but declined to receive the trophy and medals from Naqvi. That ceremony also concluded without the champions being formally presented with the silverware.
The latest episode places renewed attention on the ACC’s presentation protocols and the effect of India-Pakistan political tensions on continental cricket.
The issue also carries relevance for Nepal, who have qualified for the 2027 Men's Asia Cup after winning the ACC Men's Premier Cup. Nepal will return to the continental competition for their second appearance, making the administration and governance of ACC events a matter of direct interest to Nepali cricket followers.
India’s refusal did not affect the result of the Women's Asia Cup final, but it produced another unusual conclusion to one of the ACC's major tournaments.
