Dubai, Sept 2026 : The Indian women’s cricket team declined to receive the Asia Cup 2026 trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi after securing a record-extending eighth continental title with a comprehensive 72-run victory over Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The Indian team did not turn up for the trophy presentation ceremony to collect the silverware from Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Interior.
The decision followed a similar stance taken by the Indian men’s team after they won the T20 Asia Cup in 2025 by defeating Pakistan in the final. The Indian men had also declined to accept the trophy from Naqvi during the presentation ceremony.
On the sidelines of the ceremony, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and vice-president Rajiv Shukla presented Nandani Sharma with a fielding medal. Saikia also addressed the Indian players and congratulated them for their performance. However, the Women in Blue did not come forward to receive the championship trophy from the ACC president.
The development reflected the protocol followed by the Indian men’s team during last year’s Asia Cup. According to reports, the stalemate during the 2025 presentation continued for nearly an hour before Naqvi ordered the Asia Cup trophy to be removed from the stadium.
Later, India captain Suryakumar Yadav reportedly mocked the trophy presentation and shared the moment with his teammates. The Indian team eventually returned without taking possession of the trophy.
The Indian players’ decision has been linked to their objection to Naqvi’s position as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and his alleged support for elements involved in terrorism against India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also reportedly wrote to Naqvi seeking the trophy after India emerged champions, but the silverware was not handed over.
On the field, however, India produced a commanding all-round performance to lift the title. After winning the toss, the Indian batting unit put up an imposing 183/5, with openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana laying the foundation for the big total.
Shafali scored a blistering 68, while Mandhana contributed 59, as the pair registered a record 129-run partnership for the opening wicket. Their aggressive approach gave India early momentum and put Sri Lanka under considerable pressure.
The Indian bowling attack then completed the job with an equally impressive display. Shree Charani claimed four wickets, while Deepti Sharma took three, dismantling the Sri Lankan batting order and restricting the opposition.
With a 72-run victory, India not only secured another Asia Cup crown but also extended their record as the most successful team in the tournament’s history, underlining their dominance in women’s cricket in the region.
