A massive controversy erupted during the Women's Asia Cup 2026 trophy ceremony in Dubai. After India's dominant victory, the team refused to accept the trophy from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, leading to intense chanting from the crowd.

  • India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs to clinch their 8th Women's Asia Cup title.
  • Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and the Indian squad refused to accept the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi.
  • Spectators chanted 'Trophy Chor' (Trophy Thief) as Naqvi exited the stadium.
  • BCCI cited solidarity with the previous year's men's team decision as the reason for the boycott.

Dubai: While the Indian women's cricket team was celebrating a historic milestone, the trophy presentation ceremony at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium turned into a scene of unprecedented diplomatic and sporting tension. India secured their record-breaking 8th Women's Asia Cup title by defeating Sri Lanka by a massive 72-run margin on Sunday.

However, the celebrations were overshadowed by the presence of Mohsin Naqvi, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). In a move that stunned the audience, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her teammates declined to step onto the podium to receive the trophy from Naqvi. The official subsequently handed the runner-up check to Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu and exited the stage.

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Why the Outrage?

As Mohsin Naqvi made his way out of the stadium, the crowd erupted in anger, chanting 'Trophy Chor, Trophy Chor' (Trophy Thief). This specific chant carries heavy historical weight, echoing the massive controversy during the 2025 Men's Asia Cup final, where disputes over trophy presentation led to significant social media backlash against Naqvi and the administration.

The refusal to accept the trophy is a calculated diplomatic stance by the BCCI, signaling that they will not compromise on their principles due to administrative pressure.

BozokMedia analysis shows that this incident is not merely about a trophy, but a manifestation of the deep-seated friction between the BCCI and the PCB. BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia defended the team's stance, stating that the women's team was demonstrating solidarity with the decision made by the men's team during the previous year's controversy. He emphasized that the board had no regrets regarding this decision.

Historical Context: The Recurring Dispute

This is not the first time the trophy presentation has become a flashpoint. During the previous Men's Asia Cup held in Dubai, a delay of over an hour occurred during the ceremony, leading to a standoff regarding the trophy. The tension between the two cricketing giants continues to impact the ceremonial aspects of Asian cricket tournaments.

Did You Know?: The Indian women's team holds the record for the most Asia Cup titles, having dominated the tournament with 8 championship wins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why did the Indian team refuse to take the trophy from Naqvi?
A: According to the BCCI, the decision was made to maintain solidarity with the stance taken by the men's team during last year's trophy dispute.

Q2: Was there any communication between BCCI and Naqvi during the match?
A: Yes, BCCI officials were seen in the royal box with Naqvi, which Secretary Devjit Saikia described as standard protocol and professional courtesy.