The upcoming ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final in Dubai is drawing significant attention beyond the cricket pitch, as reports indicate that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president
During that previous tournament, the Indian men’s team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, opted not to accept the trophy from Naqvi following their victory over Pakistan. The incident, which saw the trophy remain at the ACC office in Dubai, followed a period of heightened diplomatic and sporting tension. With Naqvi serving as both the head of the PCB and the ACC, his role as the official presenter for the Women’s Asia Cup final places the spotlight on how the Indian women’s team might respond should they secure the title.
Potential for a Repeat Standoff
The possibility of a similar standoff remains a point of speculation as the tournament moves toward its conclusion. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not issued any official statement regarding the protocol for the presentation ceremony, the decision on whether to accept the silverware from the ACC president would ultimately rest with the team led by
The 2025 incident was marked by a significant delay in the post-match ceremony as discussions took place behind the scenes. Ultimately, the Indian players celebrated their triumph on the podium without taking the trophy from Naqvi, who subsequently departed the stadium with the award. Given the history of the event, the prospect of a similar scenario unfolding in Dubai has become a major talking point for followers of the tournament.
India’s Dominant Path to the Final
Harmanpreet Kaur’s side has established itself as a formidable contender throughout the current campaign. The team remains unbeaten, having secured victories against Thailand, Hong Kong, and Pakistan during the group stage. Their performance against Pakistan was particularly emphatic, as they bowled out the opposition for just 55 runs before completing a seven-wicket victory.
Beyond the team's collective success, the tournament has also served as a milestone event for individual players. Smriti Mandhana recently achieved a significant personal record, surpassing former captain Mithali Raj to become the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket. As India prepares for the knockout stages, the focus remains on their pursuit of the title. Should they reach the final and emerge victorious on September 13, the official presentation ceremony will undoubtedly be monitored closely by the cricketing world.
