Mohsin Naqvi left the Dubai International Stadium without handing the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 trophy to India after the final against Sri Lanka. His term as Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president ends in April 2027. India beat Sri Lanka in the final under Harmanpreet Kaur. The Indian team did not collect the trophy from Naqvi during the presentation ceremony.
Naqvi’s ACC Future
According to PTI, Naqvi has around seven months left in his current term. There is a provision to extend his tenure, but he is unlikely to get another term. The BCCI is also unlikely to support his extension. Naqvi is also the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, which has added to the tension between the two cricket boards.
Trophy Row Started in 2025
The trophy issue first came up during the 2025 Men’s Asia Cup. India refused to collect the trophy from Naqvi after winning the tournament. The decision came after the Pahalgam terror attack, in which several Indian citizens were killed. Naqvi took the trophy back with him after the Indian team did not accept it. The same situation happened after India’s women’s team won the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup. The BCCI told the players not to collect the trophy from Naqvi.
India-Pakistan Tensions
The India-Pakistan relations have been strained ever since the Pahalgam incident. During the 2025 Asia Cup, the cricketers of both sides refrained from participating in the traditional handshake ceremony. The new trend soon became apparent in all subsequent games involving teams of the two countries, such as U-19 and women’s cricket. It is worth noting that there hasn’t been a bilateral series between India and Pakistan since 2013.
ACC Trophy Stance
The ACC has reportedly said that the trophy remains available for the Indian team. The team can collect it from Mohsin Naqvi. Trophy controversy has further complicated the issue of Naqvi’s uncertain future as the head of the ACC. He currently holds office till April 2027.
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