Trophy Presentation Controversy Ahead of Women's T20 Asia Cup Final

As the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2026 final nears, the spotlight is on the trophy presentation, especially if India wins. With Mohsin Naqvi set to present the trophy, questions arise about the acceptance process, recalling last year's trophy controversy. The Indian women's team has performed excellently, reaching the semifinals and aiming for the title. The intersection of cricket and politics adds another layer of intrigue to the event. Will the team accept the trophy from Naqvi, or will a different protocol be followed? The answers will unfold during the final on September 13 in Dubai.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 7, 2026, 16:41 IST

Dubai: Anticipation Grows for Trophy Presentation

As the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2026 final approaches, discussions surrounding the trophy presentation are intensifying. Reports indicate that Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), is set to be the chief guest at the closing ceremony in Dubai on September 13. It is expected that he will also present the trophy to the winning team.

What If India Becomes Champion?

A pressing question arises: if the Indian women's team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, reaches the final and secures the title, how will the award ceremony unfold? Currently, there has been no official response from the Indian team or the BCCI regarding this potential scenario.

Given Naqvi's position as ACC president, there is speculation about him presenting the trophy to the winning team. However, no final decision has been publicly announced regarding the trophy acceptance process should India emerge victorious.

Previous Trophy Controversy

The heightened discussion stems from a previous trophy controversy during the 2025 Men's Asia Cup final, which involved India and Naqvi. India won the title by defeating Pakistan, but the Indian team refrained from accepting the trophy from Naqvi, resulting in the trophy not being awarded to the players during the ceremony. Reports suggest that the trophy has yet to be formally handed over to the Indian team and remains at the ACC's office in Dubai.

All Eyes on the Women's Team

Following last year's events, questions are being raised about the trophy presentation for the Women's Asia Cup as well. However, it is still a speculative situation, and it would be premature to predict the outcome after the final.

The Indian women's team has showcased an impressive performance, securing a spot in the semifinals and establishing a strong claim for the title after winning all their group stage matches, including a notable victory against Pakistan.

Political Discussions Intensify Before the Final

Naqvi's presence has further fueled discussions about the intersection of cricket and politics, especially in a sensitive environment. Nonetheless, the primary focus for the Indian team remains on winning the match and claiming the title.

Should India win the final, the subsequent award ceremony will be a crucial aspect of the event. Questions remain about whether the Indian team will accept the trophy from Naqvi, if it will be presented by another ACC official, or if a different protocol will be followed—answers to these questions will only become clear during the final.

No Official Decision Yet

At this moment, the most significant point is that the BCCI and the Indian women's team have not made any official announcement regarding the acceptance of the trophy. Therefore, it is not accurate to consider the speculations circulating on social media as definitive.

The Women's Asia Cup final on September 13 in Dubai is set to be not only crucial for the title but also for the trophy presentation if India emerges victorious.