DUBAI, UAE: India has once again reduced the spirit of cricket to a political gesture, as its women’s team stubbornly snubbed the Women’s Asia Cup T20 2026 trophy presentation by refusing to receive it from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi after winning the tournament in Dubai on Sunday.
The Indian team defeated defending champions Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium to lift their fourth Women’s Asia Cup T20 title, but the post-match trophy ceremony was overshadowed when the players declined to collect the trophy from Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
“The Indian women’s team’s decision not to receive the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi reflects how political tensions are increasingly overshadowing the game,” a senior cricket commentator said.
Cricket commentators said that turning cricket into a political battleground is deeply unfortunate and goes against the very spirit of sportsmanship.
“Cricket is meant to bring people together, not deepen political hostility,” a cricket commentator said, criticising a politically influenced decision by the BCCI.
“When politics takes over the stadium, the true spirit of sportsmanship is lost,” the commentator said.
🚨 NO TROPHY FOR TEAM INDIA 🚨
The Women’s Asia Cup closing ceremony ended without a trophy being handed over to Team India by Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. India is involving politics in cricket once again. pic.twitter.com/Yy9ZuZbCCe
— Rayham. (@RayhamUnplugged) September 13, 2026
The incident echoes a similar controversy from the 2025 Men’s Asia Cup, when India refused to accept the winners’ trophy from Naqvi after defeating Pakistan by five wickets in the final in Dubai on September 28, 2025.
On that occasion, the trophy was not formally presented to India during the ceremony. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates later celebrated without the trophy, with Yadav making a symbolic “imaginary trophy” gesture.
The repeated incidents have once again raised questions over the mixing of political tensions with international cricket, traditionally regarded as a sport that brings nations and people together despite differences between governments.
🚨 MOHSIN NAQVI DIDN’T MOVE AN INCH 🚨
Sources close to the event say India had a choice tonight – and once again, chose politics over cricket.
No handshake, now no trophy – twice in a year. It’s becoming a pattern.
ACC sources maintain the trophy remains available, and… pic.twitter.com/rzFzWFlTs5
— Rayham. (@RayhamUnplugged) September 13, 2026
India dominate Sri Lanka to clinch Asia Cup title
India produced a commanding all-round performance after being asked to bat first, posting 183-5 in their allotted 20 overs.
Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma laid the foundation for the imposing total with a spectacular 129-run partnership.
Verma top-scored with 68 off 39 balls, smashing nine boundaries and two sixes, while Mandhana struck 59 from 39 deliveries, hitting five fours and three sixes.
Chamudi Praboda ended the opening stand by dismissing Verma in the 13th over, while Mandhana was run out in the following over.
Richa Ghosh added 17 off 13 balls before falling to Chamari Athapaththu, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur made 14 from 14 deliveries.
India lost two quick wickets in the 19th over but finished strongly, scoring 16 runs from the final over. Gunalan Kamalini remained unbeaten on 11 off five balls, including a six, while Bharti Fulmali scored two.
For Sri Lanka, Mithali Ayodhya, Athapaththu and Praboda took one wicket apiece.
Read Also: Sri Lanka Eye Asia Cup Title Defence as Spin Battle with India Awaits on Sunday
Sri Lanka collapse under Indian bowling attack
Chasing 184 for victory, Sri Lanka struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack and were bowled out for 111 in 20 overs.
Captain Athapaththu was the top scorer with 36 off 32 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. Vishmi Gunaratne contributed 20 from 22 deliveries, while Nilakshika Silva scored 22 off 16 balls.
Shree Charani was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming four wickets for 20 runs in her four-over spell.
Deepti Sharma took three wickets, while Prema Rawat, Shafali Verma and Kranti Gaud picked up one wicket each.
INDIA WITH DIRTY POLITICS AGAIN.
2025 – India’s men’s team refused to collect the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi.
2026 – India’s women’s team refused to collect the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi. pic.twitter.com/uhv9Px3Kkw
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) September 13, 2026
The emphatic victory secured India’s eighth overall Women’s Asia Cup title across the 50-over and T20 formats, but the trophy ceremony once again became the main talking point after the Indian side declined to receive the trophy from the ACC chief.
