Team India Declines Women's Asia Cup Trophy Amid Controversy
India's Stand on Trophy Collection
After Team India's decision to forgo the collection of the women's Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), head coach Amol Muzumdar confirmed that this stance aligns with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
This incident marks yet another controversy surrounding the Asia Cup finals. Similar to the men's Asia Cup last year, Team India did not attend the ceremony to receive their medals and trophy from Naqvi, who also serves as the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan's Interior Minister. While Sri Lanka's medal ceremony proceeded with skipper Chamari Athapaththu accepting the runners-up cheque from Naqvi, the broadcast quickly transitioned back to the studio.
BCCI's Position on the Refusal
In a press conference, Muzumdar stated that being recognized as champions on a prominent display was sufficient for the team. He emphasized, "That stand has been taken by BCCI and we stand by it. For us, this tournament is over; we are the champions. That’s good enough. It was on the big board that India are the champions of Asia Cup 2026. This tournament is officially over for us. We are happy that we are the champions and we look forward to the Asian Games."
Prior to the presentation ceremony, Team India gathered for a huddle, where Muzumdar addressed the players. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and vice-president Rajiv Shukla presented the 'Fielder of the Match' medal to pacer Nandani Sharma, who made two catches during the match. Saikia congratulated the team on their victory.
Absence During Presentation Ceremony
As the post-match events unfolded, Sri Lankan players received their runners-up medals from dignitaries, including Naqvi, while the Indian players were conspicuously absent. Following Athapaththu's interview, the broadcast shifted to a studio show, and there was no footage of India celebrating with the trophy amidst the customary confetti and fireworks.
Team India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who had previously spoken to broadcasters after the win, did not participate in the post-match presentation.
Echoes of Men's Team Boycott
This situation mirrors last year's events when Team India, after a thrilling victory over Pakistan, also declined to accept the trophy from Naqvi due to heightened tensions stemming from cross-border terrorism. The post-match proceedings were delayed significantly, and despite refusing the trophy, Team India celebrated on stage, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav humorously mimicking his predecessor's slow walk after the T20 World Cup final in 2024.
Throughout that tournament, Indian players refrained from shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts during the toss or post-match, dedicating their victories to the Indian Armed Forces involved in operations against terrorism. To date, Team India has not received their trophy from the ACC president, raising concerns about the fate of the women's trophy.
India's Strong Performance
India showcased a commanding performance to secure the continental title, scoring 183/5 and bowling Sri Lanka out for 111 in just 20 overs, highlighted by Sree Charani's impressive four-wicket haul (4/20).
The batting was spearheaded by openers Shafali Verma, who scored 68 runs off 39 balls, and Smriti Mandhana, who contributed 59 runs off 39 balls, forming a record 129-run partnership for the first wicket.