‘We are the champions’: Muzumdar backs BCCI as India snub Mohsin Naqvi again

🏆 'We are the champions!' Amol Muzumdar fully backs BCCI's call as India skip the Women's Asia Cup trophy handover from Mohsin Naqvi.

The BCCI's decision to not accept the Women's Asia Cup trophy from ACC president Mohsin Naqvi has the full backing of the Indian women's squad, per head coach Amol Muzumdar. The team clinched an emphatic 72-run win over Sri Lanka in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The presentation became the latest flashpoint involving Naqvi—also PCB chairman & Pakistan's Interior Minister. As Sri Lanka collected their runners-up medals, skipper Chamari Athapaththu receiving the cheque from Naqvi, Indian players stayed away, just as they did last year's men's Asia Cup final.

"For us, this tournament is over. We are the champions. That's good enough," Muzumdar said. "Officially over for us. It was on the big board that India, the champions of Asia Cup 2026. Now we look forward to the Asian Games."

When asked if India would eventually receive the trophy: "No news. I cannot answer about this." But he reiterated: "The stand has been taken by the BCCI, and we're united and standing by it."

On the field, India were simply dominant. Asked to bat first, they posted a formidable 183/5. Openers Smriti Mandhana (59 off 39) & Shafali Verma (68 off 39) produced a recordbreaking 129-run stand for the 1st wicket. India's bowlers then wrapped it up, dismissing Sri Lanka for 111 in 20 overs. Sree Charani (4/20) & Deepti Sharma (3/19) did the job.

India have now lifted the Asia Cup a record eighth time. Muzumdar: "Fantastic effort. They showed up from the first game and, fittingly, finished it off strong. Really proud of all the players and all the support staff."

The trophy's current status remains unclear—but for now, India are champions of Asia. 💛

Source: Times of India