Women’s Asia Cup 2026: Mohsin Naqvi to Attend Final as Chief Guest, Trophy Ceremony in Spotlight
Mohsin Naqvi, ACC President and PCB Chairman, is set to attend the Women's Asia Cup 2026 final in Dubai on September 13, sparking concerns of a repeat of last year's 'trophy drama'. If Harmanpreet Kaur's India wins, eyes will be on whether they accept the trophy from Naqvi, recalling the 2025 Men's Asia Cup controversy.
The prospect of another significant 'trophy drama' looms over the highly anticipated Women's Asia Cup 2026 final, with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi confirmed to attend the championship clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 13. Naqvi's presence as the chief guest for the closing ceremony has reignited concerns, especially given the precedent set during the Men's Asia Cup final in September 2025, where India, after defeating Pakistan, famously refused to accept the trophy from him. Mohsin Naqvi Trolled by Iceland Cricket With ‘Iceberg’ Challenge Amid PCB Turmoil.
The Lingering Shadow of 2025
The previous year's Men's Asia Cup final saw an unprecedented situation unfold. Following India's victory over arch-rivals Pakistan by five wickets, the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, declined to receive the winner's trophy from Naqvi. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary, Devajit Saikia, cited political tensions, including the Pahalgam terror attack and Naqvi's alleged anti-India social media statements in his capacity as Pakistan's Interior Minister, as reasons for the refusal. The presentation ceremony was subsequently cancelled, and the trophy, along with medals, was reportedly removed from the venue, with Naqvi himself said to have "walked away with the trophy." This incident highlighted the deep-seated diplomatic and cricketing tensions between the two nations, and the trophy reportedly remains in the ACC's Dubai office, yet to be presented to the Indian team.
Women's Asia Cup 2026: The Road to the Final
The 10th edition of the ACC Women's Asia Cup commenced on August 28 in the UAE, featuring eight nations vying for the T20 title. Seven-time champions India, placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Thailand, and Hong Kong, have showcased dominant form throughout the tournament. They have already secured their spot in the semi-finals without a single loss, including a decisive seven-wicket victory over Fatima Sana-led Pakistan on September 5.
Group B features defending champions Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, host UAE, and tournament debutants Indonesia. The semi-finals are scheduled for September 10 and 11, setting the stage for the ultimate showdown. PCB Set To Remove Pakistan Team Chief Selector Aaqib Javed Amid Turmoil: Report.
The Looming Question for the Final
With Naqvi's confirmed attendance, the focus will undoubtedly shift to the post-match ceremony should India once again find themselves lifting the trophy. As ACC President, he would typically be the dignitary presenting the silverware. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has yet to publicly state its stance on how the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian team would respond if placed in a similar situation to their male counterparts. This diplomatic tightrope walk adds a layer of intrigue to what promises to be an exhilarating final, keeping cricket fans and political observers alike on edge until the very last ball.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 07, 2026 10:39 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
