Asia Cup: Indian women's cricket team refuses to accept trophy from ACC head Mohsin Naqvi
The Indian women's cricket team declined to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council chairperson Mohsin Naqvi following their victory over Sri Lanka. This incident mirrors a similar protest by the Indian men's team last year, highlighting ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan in the sporting arena.
Why it matters
The refusal to accept the trophy underscores the intersection of international sports and geopolitical tensions, specifically between India and Pakistan.
The Asia Cup trophy impasse continued for the second year in a row after the victorious Indian women’s cricket team on Sunday (September 13, 2026) did not accept the cup from Mohsin Naqvi, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairperson from Pakistan.
Harmanpreet Kaur-led India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs here to lift their record-extending eighth Asia Cup title, but the players did not come out on the field for post-tournament presentation ceremonies.
It may be recalled that the Indian men’s team had last year declined to receive the Asia Cup trophy and medals from Mr. Naqvi, who heads the Pakistan Cricket Board and is also the Interior Minister of that country.
The Indian team is yet to receive the Asia Cup trophy, which has since been kept in the ACC office.
Instead the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian outfit conducted an impromptu celebration on the dais without the physical prize.
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