India Wins 8th Women's Asia Cup Title but Declines Trophy from ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi

In a historic sporting achievement shadowed by diplomatic protocol, the Indian Women's Cricket Team clinched their eighth Women's Asia Cup title on Monday with a dominant 72-run victory over Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. However, celebrations were accompanied by a high-profile standoff after the team declined to accept the championship trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan's Federal Interior Minister. During the post-match presentation ceremony, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia and Vice-President Rajeev Shukla presented the fielding medal to Nandini Sharma. While Saikia addressed and congratulated the players, the "Women in Blue" did not step forward to receive the winner's trophy from Naqvi. The decision aligned with the protocol previously established by the Indian Men's Cricket Team, who similarly declined to accept the T20 Asia Cup trophy from the ACC President after defeating Pakistan in the 2025 final. Reports indicate that the resulting impasse lasted for nearly an hour, after which Naqvi ordered the removal of the Asia Cup trophy from the stadium premise. Later, Indian captain Suryakumar displayed a lighthearted gesture mimicking the trophy reception and shared the moment with teammates, before the Indian squad departed without the physical trophy. Reports further stated that although the BCCI wrote to Naqvi regarding the handover of the trophy, it was not presented despite India securing the championship. On the field, India delivered a comprehensive all-round performance. Batting first, India posted a formidable total of 183/5, anchored by half-centuries from openers Shafali Verma (68) and Smriti Mandhana (59), who forged a record opening partnership of 129 runs. India's bowling attack sealed the victory by dismantling Sri Lanka's lineup, driven by Shri Charani's four-wicket haul and Deepti Sharma's three wickets.