India’s triumph in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final against Sri Lanka in Dubai took an unexpected turn when the team declined to accept the championship silverware. The post-match ceremony became contentious due to the involvement of Asian Cricket Council president and Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi, prompting a negative reaction from Indian supporters at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Indian Fans Protest Naqvi in Dubai
Following the presentation, Naqvi departed the stadium, leading Indian fans inside the venue to chant “Trophy chor Naqvi.” Clips of these chants quickly spread across social media platforms, highlighting the unusual aftermath of India’s championship run.
The refusal to participate in the official trophy presentation stemmed directly from Naqvi’s presence. Although India successfully secured the Asia Cup title, the players bypassed the traditional ceremony of lifting the trophy due to the ongoing dispute.
The incident added a significant political and administrative dimension to what would have otherwise been a purely celebratory event following the team’s victory over Sri Lanka.
Fans chanted “Trophy Chor, Trophy Chor” when they saw Mohsin Naqvi leaving the stadium. pic.twitter.com/XljKlQLVHB
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) September 13, 2026
India Miss Out on Official Trophy Presentation
Naqvi attended the final in Dubai and participated in the post-match proceedings. During the ceremony, he presented the runners-up cheque to Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu. However, the Indian players did not join the official presentation. Naqvi, who serves as ACC president, PCB chairman, and Pakistan’s interior minister, remained central to the dispute.
The broadcast cut short after Athapaththu spoke with former Sri Lanka cricketer Farvez Maharoof. Naqvi was subsequently seen leaving the field alongside other ACC officials. Despite the absence of a formal trophy-lifting moment, India had already accomplished the most crucial objective by defeating Sri Lanka to claim the Women’s Asia Cup title.
The scenes in Dubai also brought back memories of the previous men’s Asia Cup final, where India’s men’s team similarly left without receiving the trophy following a standoff involving Naqvi. This latest incident extends the controversy that had already overshadowed the prior edition of the tournament. With Naqvi again present at a major Asia Cup final, the women’s team’s decision to boycott the official ceremony resulted in another unconventional conclusion to the championship.
