India clinch Women’s Asia Cup, refuse to receive trophy from ACC’s Pakistani chief Naqvi

The Indian women’s team refused to accept the winner’s trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday after beating Sri Lanka in the final to win their eighth Women’s Asia Cup title.

At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India clinched a record-extending eighth title, beating Sri Lanka by 72 runs powered by a record opening stand between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana.

But the real drama unfolded after the match when Harmanpreet Kaur and Co did not show up at the post-match presentation to collect their medals and the trophy.

The women’s team followed what their male counterparts had done in last year’s Asia Cup, when they similarly refused to receive the silverware from Naqvi, who is also the Minister of Interior and Narcotics Control of Pakistan.

The trophy was never handed over to the men’s team, with Naqvi holding his stance that the Indian team would have to receive it from him.

On Sunday, the trophy presentation was delayed by more than half an hour. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu received the runners-up cheque from Naqvi and the presentation ceremony concluded.

In the match, Shafali and Mandhana added 129 for the first wicket, the highest partnership for any wicket in the tournament's history, as India posted 183-5 after winning the toss.

Shafali struck the fastest half-century in Women's T20 Asia Cup history, reaching fifty off just 24 balls before falling for 68. Mandhana made 59 off 36 balls but was run out following a mix-up with Harmanpreet.

Sri Lanka's chase never gained momentum despite India spilling five catches through the innings.

Imesha Dulani fell attempting a scoop in the fourth over, while Chamari Athapaththu's fifty-plus stand attempt with Vishmi Gunaratne, who returned to bat despite an ankle injury, failed to ignite.

Athapaththu made 36 before being stumped off Deepti Sharma, who also removed Gunaratne in the same over to leave Sri Lanka needing 121 off the last ten overs.

Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 111, with Deepti and N Shree Charani sharing six wickets between them. Charani finished with 4-20.