In a repeat of last year’s incident, India’s women’s cricket team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi following their 72-run victory over Sri Lanka in the final held in Dubai. The trophy presentation was delayed, and the Indian team ultimately departed without collecting their winners’ medals or the trophy itself.

This act quickly sparked widespread discussion online, with social media users sharing memes and commentary about India’s decision to again reject the trophy from Naqvi. Despite this controversy, India’s dominant performance throughout the tournament culminated in their record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title.

India’s head coach Amol Muzumdar confirmed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had directed the team’s decision, which the players fully supported. The BCCI also stated that it had informed the Asian Cricket Council in advance about India’s refusal to accept the trophy from Naqvi.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia explained that the women’s team’s choice was made in solidarity with the men’s team, who had similarly declined the trophy last year. He linked the decision to the worsening diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack in April 2025. Saikia emphasized that while the Indian government mandates playing all nations in multinational tournaments, it does not compel acceptance of all related conditions.

“With relations already strained and having deteriorated significantly since April 2025, we cannot accept a trophy from one of their key leaders who is perceived as working against our nation,” Saikia stated. He added that the women’s team wished to uphold solidarity with their male counterparts by refusing the trophy under these circumstances.

Saikia highlighted that this stance did not diminish the team’s achievements, noting India’s undefeated run in the tournament and their decisive win over Sri Lanka in the final. He described the campaign as a source of immense pride, reflecting the rapid progress of women’s cricket in India.

He also pointed to recent milestones, including India’s triumph in the ICC 50-over World Cup last November and their Test victory against England at Lord’s. Looking ahead, Saikia mentioned the team’s goal of securing gold at the upcoming Asian Games and their broader focus on the 2028 ICC T20 World Cup.

Addressing the significance of not physically taking the trophy, Saikia remarked that the team’s performance was paramount. “Whether we physically brought the trophy home or not does not matter,” he said, emphasizing that reaching the pinnacle of success was the true cause for celebration.

The incident stirred mixed reactions on social media, with some insisting the trophy should have been presented by someone other than Naqvi, thereby politicizing the event. Others argued that the team should have accepted the trophy without involving political considerations.

Some commentators suggested the refusal stemmed from concerns about potential backlash, a view echoed by former ambassador Mansoor Ahmad Khan. Meanwhile, Pakistani social media users responded with humorous takes on the situation.