The Indian women's cricket team has again sparked controversy by refusing to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Asian Cricket Council and PCB head, for the second year running. Despite decisively winning their record-eighth Asia Cup title by defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs, the players opted out of the post-match presentation ceremony. Head coach Amol Muzumdar indicated the trophy itself was secondary to their championship status and their focus on upcoming events like the Asian Games. This incident underscores the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, which have previously influenced sporting interactions. The final match saw strong batting performances from Indian openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, complemented by effective bowling.

The Indian women's cricket team has again sparked controversy by refusing to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Asian Cricket Council and PCB head, for the second year running. Despite decisively winning their record-eighth Asia Cup title by defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs, the players opted out of the post-match presentation ceremony. Head coach Amol Muzumdar indicated the trophy itself was secondary to their championship status and their focus on upcoming events like the Asian Games. This incident underscores the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, which have previously influenced sporting interactions. The final match saw strong batting performances from Indian openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, complemented by effective bowling.

The Indian women's cricket team has again sparked controversy by refusing to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Asian Cricket Council and PCB head, for the second year running. Despite decisively winning their record-eighth Asia Cup title by defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs, the players opted out of the post-match presentation ceremony. Head coach Amol Muzumdar indicated the trophy itself was secondary to their championship status and their focus on upcoming events like the Asian Games. This incident underscores the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, which have previously influenced sporting interactions. The final match saw strong batting performances from Indian openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, complemented by effective bowling.

The Indian women’s team on Sunday declined to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), sparking another controversy surrounding the tournament for the second consecutive year.

Harmanpreet Kaur-led India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in Dubai to win a record-extending eighth Asia Cup title. However, the Indian players did not come out onto the field for the post-match presentation ceremony.

Sri Lankan players received their runners-up medals from the dignitaries on stage, with Naqvi present, but the Indian team was nowhere to be seen. After Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu’s post-match interview, the broadcast shifted to the studio, with no further visuals of the Indian team being shown.

Ahead of the presentation ceremony, the Indian players remained in a huddle, with head coach Amol Muzumdar addressing the team. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and vice-president Rajiv Shukla presented the ‘Fielder of the Match’ medal to pacer Nandani Sharma, who took two catches during the final.

“India are officially the Asia Cup champions. Trophy or no trophy, it doesn’t matter to us. This is the BCCI’s stand. We can’t say anything on this,” Muzumdar said at the post-match press conference.

“This tournament is officially over for us. We are happy that we are the champions and we look forward to the Asian Games,” he added.

The incident marks the second consecutive year in which the Asia Cup trophy presentation has been overshadowed by controversy. Last year, the Indian men’s team also declined to receive the trophy and medals from Naqvi, who is both the PCB chairman and Pakistan’s Interior Minister. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side is yet to receive the Asia Cup trophy, which has since remained at the ACC office.

Diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan have remained strained following last year’s Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor. Players from both countries now follow a no-handshake protocol when they meet at Asian or global events conducted by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

On Sunday, India’s openers Shafali Verma and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana struck aggressive half-centuries, scoring 68 and 59 respectively, to power India to 183 for five in 20 overs.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers managed to contain India’s middle order towards the end of the innings, but the hosts were ultimately outclassed by India’s disciplined bowling attack. Left-arm spinner Charani (4/20) led the way as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 111 in 20 overs.

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