India secured a commanding 72-run victory against Sri Lanka in the final of the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2026, yet the post-match discourse swiftly shifted from on-field performance to the prize presentation ceremony. Mirroring the stance taken by the men's squad last year, the Indian women's team declined to receive the winners' trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi. The refusal created a prolonged standoff on the ground where players and officials stood waiting, eventually culminating in Naqvi departing the presentation area without handing the silverware to the champions.
How Naqvi Reacted To The Team's Stance
Addressing the controversy surrounding the ceremony, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice president Rajiv Shukla provided clarity regarding the dialogue inside the ground when the decision was communicated. Speaking after landing at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, Shukla shared details of how the administration reached its conclusion and how the ACC chief received the message.
According to Shukla, the refusal was a coordinated action rather than an impulsive reaction. Describing the exchange, Shukla stated, “हमने आपस में इस मामले पर चर्चा की और फैसला किया कि हम उनसे ट्रॉफी स्वीकार नहीं करेंगे. यह हमारा सामूहिक निर्णय था. नकवी ने भी इस पर कोई आपत्ति नहीं जताई. हमने अपनी टीम की को भी सूचित कर दिया था. इसके बाद और उन्होंने जिसे भी सौंपनी थी, सौंपी और फिर चले गए.” He reiterated that the administration had pre-briefed the players and that Naqvi raised no contest before handing off his remaining responsibilities and leaving.
Board Leadership Backs Prior ACC Notification
Shukla's remarks aligned directly with earlier statements made by BCCI secretary Debajit Saikia, who explained that the governing body had already established its stance prior to the conclusion of the match. Saikia pointed out that after reviewing all existing parameters, a deliberate determination had been made, and the Asian Cricket Council was informed in advance that the Indian squad would not participate in a trophy handover under those specific conditions.
During the final, cameras had captured Saikia and Naqvi engaged in discussion, drawing public scrutiny and debate over the nature of their exchange. Shukla firmly dismissed any wrongdoing or controversy stemming from those visuals, stressing that attending officials routinely converse in an official capacity during international fixtures. Shukla underscored that Saikia acted with complete professional propriety and maintained that standard courtesies between cricket administrators should not become the target of undue criticism.
