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Fresh Trophy Row Brews Ahead of Women's Asia Cup Final as Naqvi Set to Attend Dubai Ceremony

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Fresh Trophy Row Brews Ahead of Women's Asia Cup Final as Naqvi Set to Attend Dubai Ceremony
Photo: Photo by Markus Spiske via Unsplash / Port of Rotterdam Operations

A potential controversy is brewing around the ACC Women's Asia Cup 2026 as it nears its climax, with India emerging as one of the strongest contenders for the title. Reports indicate that Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi is expected to attend the trophy presentation ceremony in Dubai, raising echoes of last year's contentious episode during the Men's Asia Cup.

According to Pakistan's sports channel Geo Super, Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan's federal minister for interior and narcotics control, will travel to Dubai to attend the tournament final on September 13 and serve as chief guest at the closing ceremony. As per tradition, the ACC president is expected to present the trophy to the winning team.

Naqvi found himself at the center of controversy during last year's Men's Asia Cup final at Dubai International Stadium, when India defeated Pakistan in the title clash but refused to accept the trophy from him, citing Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism in India. The Indian team had signaled willingness to receive the trophy from Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni instead, but Naqvi reportedly declined this alternative. When Naqvi eventually appeared on the dais, the Indian players made it clear they would not accept the trophy from him. Shortly afterward, the trophy was quietly taken away from the venue, leaving the champions without their prize.

In the current tournament, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women's team has emerged as a strong favorite to lift the title, having advanced to the semifinals without a single defeat. India secured their spot in the last four with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan, restricting them to just 55 runs before comfortably chasing down the target.

Should India go on to win the tournament, it appears unlikely that Harmanpreet and her teammates would accept the trophy directly from Naqvi, given the precedent set during last year's controversy.

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