India secured a dominant 72-run victory over Sri Lanka in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final on Sunday to claim a record-extending eighth title, only for the celebrations to be overshadowed by a familiar trophy presentation dispute. The trophy refusal incident has taken over the internet once again.
Chasing a competitive total, Sri Lanka were dismissed for 111 as India’s bowlers, led by Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma, dismantled the opposition. Openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana had earlier powered India to 183 for 5 at the Dubai International Stadium. The post-match ceremony, however, descended into controversy, and it was delayed by almost an hour.
Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, was present to hand over the trophy. The Indian team did not take part in the formal presentation, declining to receive the silverware or medals from him. The stand follows a similar refusal by India’s men’s team in the previous Asia Cup.
Coach Amol Muzumdar’s powerful statement on BCCI and India refusing to accept Asia Cup trophy
BCCI officials had indicated the board would not accept the trophy from Naqvi given his political role. Naqvi waited at the podium before abruptly leaving as India celebrated the win on the sidelines. Meanwhile, following the incident, head coach Amol Muzumdar later confirmed the players were fully behind the decision. According to a report in Cricbuzz, he said:
“That stand has been taken by the BCCI, and we stand by it.”
Muzumdar added:
“For us, this tournament is over. We are the champions. That’s good enough. It was on the big board that India are champions of the Asia Cup 2026.”
The Indian women's head coach further continued:
“This tournament is officially over for us. We are happy that we have turned out to be champions. Now, we look forward to the Asian Games.”
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu collected the runners-up award from Naqvi, after which the ceremony concluded without the champions appearing on the podium. The Indian squad later posed for team photographs on the field, celebrating their on-field success.
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