‘We are champions’: Amol Muzumdar backs BCCI stand as India skips Women’s Asia Cup trophy presentation with Mohsin Naqvi

Team India after winning the Women’s Asia Cup 2026. (Image credit: BCCI) NEW DELHI: India women’s head coach Amol Muzumdar has backed the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision not to accept the Women’s Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi, saying the team stood unitedly behind the board’s position after their emphatic 72-run victory over Sri Lanka in the final.Sunday’s handover ceremony at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium became the latest flashpoint for Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan’s interior minister. As Sri Lanka collected their runner-up medals and captain Chamari Athapaththu received the runner-up check from Naqvi, the Indian players were conspicuous by their absence.However, Muzumdar insisted that India’s focus was on success rather than presenting the trophy.“BCCI has taken a stand. We stand by it. This tournament is over for us. We are champions. That’s good enough. This tournament is over. It’s officially over for us,” Muzumdar told reporters after the final.“It was on the big board that India became the winner of the Asia Cup 2026. We are happy to become champions. Now we are looking forward to the Asian Games,” he added.The decision was expected because of the precedent set during last year’s men’s Asia Cup. The Indian men also refused to collect the trophy from Naqvi after defeating Pakistan in the final, amid heightened tensions between the two countries following the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent border hostilities.On Sunday, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia and Vice President Rajeev Shukla were seen talking to the Indian players after the win. Before the official ceremony, the team also held its own celebrations, with Saikia and Shukla congratulating the players and presenting the ‘Fielder of the Match’ medal to pacer Nandani Sharma.But when the official presentation started, the Indian players did not come to the field. The Sri Lankan players received their runners-up medals from the dignitaries even before the ceremony ended without India receiving the championship trophy from Naqvi.When asked if the trophy has been updated and if India will eventually receive it, Muzumdar was unequivocal.“No news. I can’t answer that,” he said.

“We are united and we stand behind it”

Pressed further on the decision, Muzumdar reiterated that this was the BCCI’s position and that the Indian side had collectively decided to stand behind it.“BCCI has taken a stand and we are united and we stand by it. This tournament is officially over for us. We are really happy to be champions and I am really proud of every individual in this unit, including the support staff and the players, needless to say. We are looking forward to the Asian Games,” he said.The controversy did little to overshadow India’s commanding performance in the final.

India dominated Sri Lanka to win their eighth title

After being asked to bat first, India posted a formidable 183/5, with openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma getting off to a record start. Mandhana hit 59 off 39 balls while Shafali smashed 68 off 39, including nine fours and two sixes, as the pair added 129 for the first wicket.The Indian bowlers then finished the job, dismissing Sri Lanka for 111 in 20 overs. Sree Charani took 4/20 while Deepti Sharma returned 3/19 as India sealed a comprehensive 72-run victory.Muzumdar praised the entire team after India secured their eighth Asia Cup title.“Fantastic effort. They turned up from the first game and finished it strong for sure. Really proud of all the players and all the support staff too,” he said.