‘Proud moment’: PM Modi, President hail India; Women’s team snubs Asia Cup trophy

The chant of "Trophy chor, trophy chor" resounded throughout Dubai International Cricket Stadium as Mohsin Naqvi departed from the presentation stage following India's 72-run victory over Sri Lanka in the Women’s Asia Cup final. India had sealed their eighth consecutive Women’s Asia Cup title, but the champions did not approach Naqvi to collect the trophy.

Instead, the runners-up presented a cheque to Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu. The Indian team refrained from approaching Naqvi, and he was compelled to leave the stadium without transferring the trophy.

The chant served as a reminder of the controversy surrounding the men’s Asia Cup final in 2025. India had triumphed over Pakistan in that match, yet the post-match presentation was delayed by over an hour, leaving the Indian players to wait for their trophies and medals. Visuals showed the Asia Cup trophy being removed from the presentation area, prompting criticism and ridicule directed at Naqvi. The label "Trophy chor" (meaning "trophy thief") became a recurring term used against him.

Saikia, the Asian Cricket Council president and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, provided insight into the reasoning behind the Indian players' refusal to accept the trophy from Naqvi. He explained that the men’s team had secured the Asia Cup title a year and a half earlier, following the Pahalgam incident in April 2025. This event led to a shift in sentiment among Indian citizens, who expressed pressure not to maintain relations with neighboring Pakistan or engage in cricket with them.

The Indian government, however, maintained its policy of competing against every nation in multinational tournaments.

Despite this, Saikia emphasized that the Indian team did not adhere to all conditions imposed on them. The ongoing military conflict between the two nations made it impossible for the Pakistani leader to receive the trophy. The Women’s team demonstrated support for the men’s team's decision. Saikia's comments during the match further clarified the situation, stating that the officials, including Naqvi, were meeting various individuals as part of the standard protocol during the event.

Saikia affirmed that efforts were made to resolve the trophy presentation issue, but these attempts were unsuccessful. Their primary objective was to celebrate India's victory, rather than focusing on the trophy itself.