Trophy drama 2.0? Naqvi set to attend Women's Asia Cup Final

The possibility of another trophy controversy involving India and Pakistan has emerged ahead of the Women's Asia Cup 2026 final. According to a report by Geo Super, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi is set to attend the final in Dubai.

Naqvi is reportedly expected to be the chief guest at the closing ceremony on September 13. His presence could attract attention if Harmanpreet Kaur and Team India reach the final and win the title. India are among the favourites to reach the summit clash.

Naqvi was at the centre of a major trophy controversy during last year's Men's Asia Cup final in Dubai. India defeated Pakistan in the final but did not receive the trophy from Naqvi. His expected presence at this year's Women's Asia Cup final has therefore raised questions about whether a similar situation could happen again.

Naqvi confirmed as chief guest for the September 13 final in Dubai

Mohsin Naqvi is expected to attend the Women's Asia Cup 2026 final in Dubai on September 13 as the chief guest. His presence could once again bring attention to the trophy presentation if India reach the final and win the tournament.

Naqvi currently holds two key positions. He is the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Since the Women's Asia Cup is an ACC tournament, Naqvi, as ACC president, has the authority to present the trophy to the winning team.

However, India have featured in the final of all nine editions of the Women's Asia Cup played so far. The Women in Blue are the most successful team in the tournament's history, having won seven titles and finished runners-up twice. If India reach the final again, the trophy presentation could become a major talking point.

Flashback: How India snubbed Naqvi at the 2025 Men's Asia Cup Trophy presentation

The controversy surrounding Mohsin Naqvi began after India defeated Pakistan in the 2025 Men's Asia Cup final on September 28. The post-match presentation was delayed by around an hour as the Indian team was reportedly not ready to receive the trophy from Naqvi. The Indian players celebrated their victory, while Naqvi left the stadium with the trophy.

The Asia Cup trophy was not handed over to India after the presentation. It reportedly remained at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) headquarters in Dubai following the controversial episode.

The incident took place amid a tense atmosphere between India and Pakistan. The Men's Asia Cup was played after the Pahalgam terror attack, while Naqvi had also made anti-India comments on social media during the tournament in his role as Pakistan's Interior Minister. Naqvi was serving as both ACC president and PCB chairman at the time.

Will Harmanpreet Kaur's India reepeat the boycott If they Win?

If India win the Women's Asia Cup 2026, Mohsin Naqvi is expected to present the trophy as the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). However, the decision on whether the Indian team will accept the trophy from him will depend on the players. The BCCI has not made any statement about the matter so far.

Harmanpreet Kaur and her team have already qualified for the semi-finals of the Women's Asia Cup 2026 after winning all three of their Group A matches. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side are also among the favourites to win the tournament.

It will be interesting to see whether the Indian women's team accepts the trophy from Naqvi if they win the title. Regardless of their decision, another trophy-related controversy could emerge if India lift the Women's Asia Cup 2026 trophy on Sunday.