India's women's cricket team clinched a record-extending eighth Women's Asia Cup title on Sunday, September 13, defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
However, the celebrations were overshadowed by a controversy during the post-match presentation, with Harmanpreet Kaur and her teammates not coming forward to receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi.
India refuse Trophy from Mohsin Naqvi
The trophy presentation was delayed by around 40 minutes after Sri Lanka's final wicket fell. Match officials were presented with their mementos before the Sri Lankan players received their runners-up medals. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu also collected the runners-up cheque from Naqvi.
However, the Indian players
did not come onto the stage to receive their winners' medals or the Asia Cup trophy. Naqvi, who is also Pakistan's Interior Minister and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), remained at the presentation area, but the ceremony eventually ended without India being handed the silverware. The live broadcast also ended before the Indian team's trophy presentation.
The development closely mirrors the controversy surrounding last year's men's Asia Cup final, when India's men's team also declined to accept the trophy from Naqvi after defeating Pakistan in Dubai. The issue had led to a prolonged presentation ceremony and India celebrating their title without the trophy.
India beat Sri Lanka in Final
India produced a dominant all-round performance after winning the toss and opting to bat. Openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana gave the team a flying start, putting together a century partnership.
Shafali smashed 68 off 39 balls, while Mandhana contributed 59 from 39 deliveries as India posted a formidable 183/5 in 20 overs.
Sri Lanka struggled to match India's scoring rate during the chase. India's spin attack then took complete control, with Shree Charani claiming 4/20 and Deepti Sharma taking 3/19. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 111, handing India a comprehensive 72-run victory.
The triumph marked India's eighth Women's Asia Cup title, further underlining their dominance in the continental tournament. Yet, despite winning the championship on the field, the Indian team left the presentation ceremony without formally receiving the Asia Cup trophy from Naqvi.
