Trophy Presentation Controversy Looms Ahead of Women's Asia Cup 2026 Final

Indian Men's Cricket Team and Mohsin Naqvi

The possibility of another trophy presentation controversy involving India and Pakistan has emerged ahead of the ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final, with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi set to attend the summit clash in Dubai. According to a Geo Super report, Naqvi is expected to be the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the tournament on September 13. His presence could once again bring the focus on the trophy presentation if Harmanpreet Kaur’s India reach the final and go on to win the title. Naqvi was at the centre of a major controversy during last year's Men's Asia Cup final at the Dubai International Stadium. India defeated Pakistan in the summit clash but refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who was the ACC president and also PCB chairman. The episode took place against a particularly tense backdrop. The Men's Asia Cup was played after the Pahalgam terror attack, while Naqvi had also shared anti-India statements on social media during the tournament in his capacity as Pakistan's Interior Minister.

Trophy drama could return

With Naqvi expected to attend the Women's Asia Cup final, another trophy-related standoff could potentially unfold. If India win the tournament, Naqvi could be the official presenting the silverware to the champions because of his position as ACC president. The decision on whether to accept it from him, however, would ultimately rest with the Harmanpreet-led Indian team. The BCCI has so far remained silent on what the women's side would do if they win the tournament and Naqvi is present for the presentation. India are among the favourites for the title and have already secured their place in the semi-finals without losing a match. They made a particularly strong statement against Pakistan, defeating the Fatima Sana-led side by seven wickets after bowling them out for just 55 in Dubai.

What happened in last year's final?

The controversy involving Naqvi began after India defeated Pakistan in the Men's Asia Cup final on September 28, 2025. The Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian side completed the victory, but the post-match presentation was delayed by more than an hour as discussions continued over who would present the trophy. India eventually chose not to receive the silverware from Naqvi. The players celebrated their title triumph on the podium without the trophy, while Naqvi left the stadium with it. The Asia Cup trophy has still not been handed over to India and remains at the ACC office in Dubai. The situation became one of the most talked-about moments of the tournament, particularly because Naqvi had attended the final despite the earlier tensions between the two sides.

Why would Naqvi present the trophy?

Naqvi holds two key positions relevant to the presentation. He is the PCB chairman as well as the president of the ACC. Since the Women's Asia Cup is an ACC-hosted tournament, Naqvi, by virtue of his position as ACC president, holds the right to present the trophy to the winners. That means another India-Pakistan trophy moment could be waiting in Dubai if Harmanpreet Kaur's team reaches the final and lifts the title.

India dominate Women's Asia Cup campaign

India have been unbeaten throughout their campaign in the eight-team Women's Asia Cup. Harmanpreet Kaur's side began the tournament with a victory over Thailand before producing convincing wins against Hong Kong and Pakistan in the group stage.

The tournament has also witnessed a major individual milestone for Smriti Mandhana, who became the leading run-scorer in women's international cricket after surpassing former India captain Mithali Raj.

With India already through to the semi-finals, attention will now turn to the knockout stage. If the Women in Blue make it all the way to the final and win the trophy on September 13, Naqvi's presence could set the stage for another closely watched presentation ceremony in Dubai.