India wins 8th Asia Cup but declines trophy from ACC chairman

India's women's cricket team secured a record-extending eighth Asia Cup title on Sunday, September 13, defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final in Dubai. However, the champions declined to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi, marking the second consecutive year the Indian team has refused the award from the official. Openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana powered India to 183 for five in 20 overs, putting on a 129-run partnership in just 12.5 overs. Verma scored 68 off 39 balls, including a tournament-record fifty off 24 deliveries, while Mandhana contributed 59. Left-arm spinner Shree Charani took four wickets for 20 runs, and off-spinner Deepti Sharma claimed three as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 111. Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu top-scored with 36. The Indian team did not return to the field for the post-match presentation ceremony, leaving the trophy uncollected. Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Devajit Saikia later explained the decision was made in solidarity with the men's team, which had similarly refused the trophy from Naqvi after winning the Asia Cup against Pakistan in September 2025.