India win Women’s Asia Cup but do not accept trophy
India were not present at the trophy ceremony, which was led by Pakistani Interior Minister and ACC President Naqvi.
The presentation ceremony for the Women’s Asia Cup cricket final in Dubai became controversial after winners India refused to accept the trophy from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, amid ongoing political tensions between the South Asian neighbours.
India beat Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final on Sunday to reclaim the crown from the 2024 champions, but the post-match ceremony was delayed by more than 45 minutes as players from both sides waited outside their respective dressing rooms.
The match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium ended close to 9:50pm (17:50 GMT), but the ceremony did not get under way until 10:40pm (18:40 GMT).
“We have decided not to take the Asia Cup trophy from the ACC chairman, who happens to be one of the main [political] leaders of Pakistan,” Saikia then told Indian media.