India women’s national cricket team’s triumphant Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign ended with a political flashpoint after the champions declined to collect the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side had just completed a dominant victory over Sri Lanka in Dubai, but the presentation ceremony became the centre of attention. The decision echoed India men’s stance from the 2025 Asia Cup and triggered debate over ties with Pakistan cricket team.
Asaduddin Owaisi Questions India’s Cricketing Ties With Pakistan
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi questioned the logic of continuing cricketing and commercial engagements with Pakistan while political and security tensions remain unresolved.
His remarks reflected a sentiment that India’s sporting participation and diplomatic position should not appear contradictory.
Owaisi asked why India was “playing with them” when the Indus Waters Treaty had been put on abeyance, and questioned how ICC commitments should be treated as an obligation.
He also raised the issue of BCCI revenues from television rights and invoked the families affected by the Pahalgam terror attack.
Owaisi further alleged that Pakistan continues to sponsor terrorism and referred to the recent Red Fort blast.
“You are allowing the BCCI to make money through TV rights. Why doesn’t the government have empathy towards the people whose family members were butchered by the terrorists in Pahalgam?” Owaisi told ANI.
India Women’s Trophy Controversy Women’s Asia Cup
The controversy erupted after India refused to receive the Asia Cup trophy from Naqvi, who is also Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and Pakistan’s interior minister. The BCCI had reportedly made its position clear before the final.
India’s players did not participate in the presentation, while the ceremony was delayed and the team celebrated without the cup.
Head coach Amol Mazumdar backed the BCCI’s decision, saying the team stood with the board’s position. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia also explained that the board considered the political circumstances before taking its stance.
Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Final: What Happened In India vs Sri Lanka?
India sealed a 72-run win over Sri Lanka in the final. Batting first, India posted 183/5, powered by Shafali Verma’s 68 and Smriti Mandhana’s 59. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 111, with left-arm spinner Sree Charani claiming 4/20.
The victory secured India’s record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title and completed another unbeaten campaign.
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