Is the trophy controversy making a comeback? Mohsin Naqvi will attend the Women’s Asia Cup final in India
Indian Men’s Cricket Team and Mohsin Naqvi The possibility of another trophy controversy involving India and Pakistan has emerged ahead of the 2026 ACC Women’s Asia Cup final, with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi set to attend the summit clash in Dubai.According to a Geo Super report, Naqvi is expected to be the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the tournament on September 13. His presence could once again bring focus to the trophy if Harmanpreet Kaur’s India reach the final and win the title.Naqvi was at the center of a major controversy during last year’s men’s Asia Cup final at the Dubai International Stadium. India defeated Pakistan in the summit clash but refused to receive the trophy from Naqvi, who was the ACC president and also the PCB chairman.The episode took place against a particularly tense backdrop. The men’s Asia Cup was played after the Pahalgam terror attack, while Naqvi also shared anti-India statements on social media during the tournament as Pakistan’s interior minister.
Trophy drama could be back
With Naqvi expected to feature in the Women’s Asia Cup final, another trophy-related stalemate could potentially unfold.If India win the tournament, Naqvi could be the official presenting the silverware to the champions because of his position as the ACC president. But the decision to accept it from him would ultimately rest with the Harmanpreet-led Indian team.So far, the BCCI has remained silent on what the women’s side would do if they won the tournament and Naqvi was present at the presentation.India are among the favorites for the title and have already secured their place in the semi-finals without losing a match. They made a particularly emphatic statement against Pakistan, beating the Fatima Sana-led side by seven wickets after bowling them out for just 55 in Dubai.
What happened in last year’s final?
The controversy surrounding Naqvi started after India defeated Pakistan in the men’s Asia Cup final on 28 September 2025.The Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian side completed the victory, but the post-match presentation was delayed by more than an hour as discussions continued over who would present the trophy.In the end, India decided not to receive the silver from Naqvi. The players celebrated the title triumph on the podium without the trophy, Naqvi leaving the stadium with it.The Asia Cup trophy has still not been handed over to India and remains at the ACC office in Dubai.The situation became one of the most debated moments of the tournament, especially as Naqvi took part in the final despite earlier tensions between the two sides.
Why would Naqvi hand over the trophy?
Naqvi holds two key positions relevant to the presentation. He is the Chairman of PCB and also the President of ACC.Since the Women’s Asia Cup is an ACC-organised tournament, Naqvi, by virtue of his position as ACC president, has the right to present the trophy to the winners.That means another India-Pakistan moment could await in Dubai if Harmanpreet Kaur’s side reach the final and lift the title.
India are dominating the Women’s Asia Cup campaign
India are unbeaten throughout their campaign in the eight-team Women’s Asia Cup. Harmanpreet Kaur’s team opened the tournament with a win over Thailand before posting convincing wins against Hong Kong and Pakistan in the group stage.The tournament also witnessed a major individual milestone for Smriti Mandhana, who became the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket after overtaking former Indian captain Mithali Raj.
Should India accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi if they win the Asia Cup?
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Share an opinionWith India already through to the semi-finals, the focus now turns to the knockout stage. If the Women in Blue make it to the final and claim the trophy on September 13, Naqvi’s presence could set the stage for another closely watched presentation ceremony in Dubai.