Trophy stand‑off steals spotlight as cricket absorbs fallout in Women’s Asia Cup final

Cricket copped the brunt of the persistent conflict between India and Pakistan in the Women’s Asia Cup final. The Women in Blue steamrolled Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the summit clash to claim an unprecedented eighth title. But the celebration in their dugout fizzled out quickly as the players and support staff formed a huddle, held an intense discussion and then left the ground without participating in the trophy presentation.

As a result, Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi, after presenting medals to the runners‑up, abruptly exited the stage along with other dignitaries.

Why did India refuse to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi?

Naqvi holds multiple positions. He currently serves as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and as president of the ACC. What many cricket fans may not know is that he also heads Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, a role that deals with state security and narcotics regulation.

For the uninitiated, the BCCI has adopted a policy of not engaging with individuals who hold political positions in Pakistan. This stance stems from the kinetic conflict that followed the Pahalgam terror attack in May 2025.

The scenes at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday mirrored what unfolded on September 28, 2025, at the same venue during the final of the ACC men’s Asia Cup. On that occasion, Suryakumar Yadav’s India defeated Pakistan by five wickets but refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi after hours of delay. The Men in Blue have still not received that trophy.

Is it mandatory for the ACC president to present the trophy?

No. Any member of the ACC’s top brass can hand over the winners’ trophy. Khalid Al Zarooni, who was elected ACC vice president on August 24, was also in attendance on Sunday and could have presented the trophy to Harmanpreet Kaur.

Who loses out?

Trophies will be won and lost, but players and fans continue to get caught in the political crossfire. For the Women in Blue, the night should have been a celebration. They had put the disappointment of the T20 World Cup behind them and inked another chapter of dominance in Asia. Instead, they had to suppress their emotions and walk away without holding the silverware they fought for in the unforgiving heat and humidity of Dubai.

Fans, too, were denied the moment they deserved: watching their team take the podium, lift the trophy and revel in a landmark victory.

Such incidents defeat the very purpose of sport, which is to grow globally, unite communities and strengthen its case for a permanent place on the Olympic stage.