Is the trophy debate making a comeback? Mohsin Naqvi will take part in the final of the Women’s Asian Cup in India

Indian men’s cricket team and Mohsin Naqvi

The possibility of another trophy dispute involving India and Pakistan has arisen ahead of the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup final, with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi set to attend the summit in Dubai.According to a Geo Super report, Naqvi is expected to be the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the tournament on September 13. His presence could bring the spotlight back to the trophy presentation if Harmanpreet Kaur-led India reaches the final and wins the title.Naqvi was at the center of a major controversy during last year’s men’s Asian Cup final at the Dubai International Stadium. India defeated Pakistan in the summit clash but refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who was the ACC president and also the PCB chairman.The episode took place against a particularly tense background. The Men’s Asia Cup was played after the Pahalgam attack and Naqvi also shared anti-India statements on social media during the tournament as Pakistan’s home minister.

Trophy drama may return

With Naqvi expected to feature in the Women’s Asian Cup final, another trophy-related showdown could potentially unfold.If India wins the tournament, Naqvi could become the official presenting silverware to the champions as he holds the position of ACC president. However, the decision on whether to accept it from him will ultimately rest with the Harmanpreet-led Indian team.The BCCI is still tight-lipped on what the women’s team will do if they win the tournament and Naqvi will be present at the presentation.India are among the title favorites and have already secured their place in the semi-finals without losing a single match. They made a particularly strong statement against Pakistan by defeating Fatima Sana’s side by seven wickets after being bowled out for just 55 runs in Dubai.

What happened in last year’s final?

The Naqvi controversy began after India defeated Pakistan in the men’s Asia Cup final on September 28, 2025.The Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, emerged victorious but the post-match presentation was delayed by over an hour as discussions continued over who would present the trophy.Ultimately, India decided not to receive silver from Naqvi. The players celebrated their title on the podium without the trophy, and Naqvi left the stadium with it.The Asian Cup trophy has yet to be handed over to India and remains at the ACC office in Dubai.The situation became one of the most talked about moments of the tournament, especially because Naqvi was present at the final despite the pre-existing tension between the two sides.

Why did Naqvi present the trophy?

Naqvi occupies two key positions relevant to the presentation. He is the Chairman of the PCB and also the President of the ACC.Since the Women’s Asian Cup is hosted by ACC, Naqvi by virtue of his position as ACC President has the right to present the trophy to the winners.This means another India-Pakistan trophy moment could await in Dubai if Harmanpreet Kaur’s team reaches the final and lifts the title.

India dominates women’s Asian Cup campaign

India remained unbeaten throughout their eight-team Women’s Asian Cup campaign. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side started the tournament with a win over Thailand and followed it up with convincing wins over Hong Kong and Pakistan in the group stage.The tournament also marked an individual milestone for Smriti Mandhana, who became the top run-scorer in international women’s cricket after surpassing former India captain Mithali Raj.

With India already reaching the semi-finals, attention will now turn to the knockout stage. If the Women in Blue reach the final and win the trophy on September 13, Naqvi’s presence could pave the way for another closely watched presentation ceremony in Dubai.