Tension Surrounds Women's T20 Asia Cup Final as Mohsin Naqvi Set to Present Trophy

Mohsin Naqvi's Attendance at the Final

Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is expected to be present at the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 Final, scheduled for Sunday, September 13, at the Dubai International Stadium.

The tournament is entering its crucial final week, with defending champions Sri Lanka and seven-time winners India having already secured their spots in the semi-finals by topping their respective groups. Meanwhile, teams such as Pakistan, Thailand, Bangladesh, and the UAE are competing in the remaining group-stage matches to clinch the last knockout positions.

Semifinals and Championship Showdown

The semi-finals are set to take place on September 10 and 11 at the Dubai International Stadium, paving the way for the championship match on Sunday. India and Sri Lanka remain unbeaten in the tournament, positioning them as strong contenders as the knockout rounds approach.

Mohsin Naqvi's Role in Trophy Presentation

As the Women’s T20 Asia Cup nears its conclusion, reports indicate that Mohsin Naqvi may present the trophy to the tournament winner. His dual role as PCB chairman and ACC head has drawn attention to the protocol dynamics in regional cricket.

The trophy presentation has become a topic of discussion, reminiscent of the previous year's men's tournament, where the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, declined to accept the trophy from Naqvi due to ongoing administrative tensions.

Controversy from Last Year's Men's Tournament

Despite India winning the Asia Cup, they did not receive the trophy as Naqvi insisted on presenting it himself, leading to a standoff during the ceremony. The Indian team protested against Naqvi's social media comments that mocked the Indian Defence Forces following a successful operation against terror camps in Pakistan.

Currently, the Asia Cup trophy is secured at the ACC's Dubai headquarters, with directives that it should not be moved or handed over without Naqvi's consent.

Will India Women Accept the Trophy?

Having won all three group matches, Team India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, aims to overcome the knockout stage and reach the final on September 13. If they secure their eighth Asia Cup title, the question arises whether they will follow the men's team's precedent and refuse to accept the trophy from Naqvi.

Since last year's men's Asia Cup, both the men's and women's teams from India have refrained from engaging with Pakistan players, a stance reflecting the ongoing military tensions between the two nations. This no-handshake policy was evident during the Women’s T20 Asia Cup, where Kaur avoided the customary handshake at the toss during their match on September 5.

BCCI's Stance on Trophy Presentation

As the Asia Cup Final approaches, all eyes are on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and how they will navigate the protocol if they successfully defend their title. The ongoing friction between the BCCI and ACC administration continues to loom over the tournament's concluding stages.

It remains uncertain whether the Indian team will accept the trophy from Naqvi if they emerge victorious. The BCCI has not yet issued an official statement regarding this matter, and the final protocol for the trophy presentation is still pending confirmation.