India Women Refuse Asia Cup Trophy From Pakistan Minister Naqvi

India's women's cricket team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi after winning the final on Sunday, September 13, in Dubai, citing his role as Pakistan's Interior Minister and ongoing military tensions between the two nations. The decision mirrors a similar stance taken by the Indian men's team at the previous year's tournament. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs to claim a record-extending eighth Asia Cup title. However, the post-match presentation ceremony was delayed by more than 45 minutes as the Indian team did not take the field. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu accepted the runners-up award from Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, before the ceremony concluded without the trophy being presented to the winners. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia explained the refusal was due to Naqvi's position in the Pakistani government and the ongoing military conflict between the two countries. "Our military conflict is still ongoing. One of the main leaders who is working against the interests of our country, we cannot receive the trophy from him," Saikia said.