Another Asia Cup Trophy Drama Likely, Mohsin Naqvi To Attend Women's Final: Report

Another Asia Cup Trophy Standoff Looms as PCB Chairman Naqvi to Lead Women's Final Ceremony

The echoes of last year's trophy controversy are set to resound once more—this time on the women's stage. Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of both the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is reportedly confirmed as chief guest for the Women's Asia Cup final on Sunday, September 13. But given history, his presence on the podium carries more than ceremonial weight.

The shadow of the 2025 Men's Asia Cup final still hangs heavy. When India—led by Suryakumar Yadav—beat Pakistan to clinch the title, Naqvi waited on the podium for nearly half an hour. Yet the Indian side refused to accept the trophy from his hands, insisting instead on receiving it from another ACC official. Frustrated, Naqvi reportedly removed the trophy entirely, carried it off to his hotel, and it has since never been formally presented. Sources say it now sits in the ACC's Dubai office—BCCI discussions notwithstanding, the matter remains unresolved.

Now the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women stand as outright favourites, already booked into the semifinals. If they lift the trophy, the question remains whether they'll want to take it from Naqvi's hands. The writing was already on the wall: in their recent clash against Pakistan, Harmanpreet and Pakistan captain Sana Mir didn't shake hands—mirroring the awkward silence between SKY and Salman Ali Agha last year.

For a tournament built on sporting grace, the hope is that this time the trophy finds its winners—without the drama, and without leaving the champions empty-handed.

Source: NDTV Sports