India win Women’s Asia Cup as trophy ceremony is overshadowed by tensions with Pakistan
India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in Dubai but did not attend a presentation led by Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s interior minister.
India secured a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title with a 72-run victory over Sri Lanka in Dubai, but the post-match presentation was overshadowed by continuing tensions between India and Pakistan.
The ceremony was delayed by more than 45 minutes. Match officials and Sri Lanka’s players received their awards, with captain Chamari Athapaththu accepting the runners-up award from Mohsin Naqvi.
India’s players were not called to the stage for their medals or trophy. Individual awards, including Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament, were also not handed out during the ceremony, according to Al Jazeera.
The Indian team and support staff had been seen gathered outside their dressing room before the presentation, but did not appear near the stage once it began. India’s cricket board, the Asian Cricket Council and the tournament organisers did not provide an official explanation for the absence.
The episode follows a similar dispute after India’s men won the Asia Cup at the same venue in 2025. India and Pakistan have faced heightened political and sporting tensions since the 2025 Pahalgam attack and subsequent military hostilities, although the reasons for the women’s team’s absence have not been officially confirmed.
