Women's Asia Cup: India refuse trophy from Naqvi

India's women's cricket team declined to accept the Asia Cup trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi following their victory over Sri Lanka in the final in Dubai. This action mirrors the stance taken by their male counterparts last year during the men's tournament. Naqvi, who is also Pakistan's interior minister, is a member of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The team's decision to reject the trophy presentation reflects the strained political relations between India and Pakistan. India and Pakistan have not played each other directly in cricket since a brief military conflict last year that almost turned into a full-scale war. The two nations only compete in ICC and ACC tournaments on neutral grounds.

India's coach, Amol Muzumdar, informed reporters that the board's decision was final. "We stand by it. For us, this tournament is over. We are the champions. That’s good enough," he stated. India and Pakistan have been exchanging verbal jabs since the Asia Cup trophy controversy. India's women's team, having won the title for the eighth time in their last ten appearances, remains united.

The sports staff and players are proud of their achievements. Reuters has sought a response from the ACC regarding this incident. India previously refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi after defeating Pakistan in the men's final in Dubai last September. The presentation ceremony was held up for over an hour before being halted just before the trophy was to be handed over.