In a decision blending sporting triumph with national sentiment, India’s women lifted their fourth T20 Asia Cup title in Dubai on 13 September 2026 but declined to receive the trophy, medals, or individual awards from ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia termed it a “conscious and institutional call,” citing prevailing sentiments after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss, chose to bat, and India posted 183/5. Openers Shafali Verma (68 off 39) and Smriti Mandhana (59 off 39) forged a record 129-run stand, the highest opening partnership in ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup finals. Sri Lanka, chasing 184, folded for 111 on the last ball, handing India a 72-run win and their fourth title (2012, 2016, 2022, 2026).
Yet the podium stayed empty of Indian players. No one attended the presentation; Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament awards were also declined. Instead, an internal ceremony saw fielding coach Munish Bali present a “best fielder” medal to Nandani Sharma, handed over by Saikia, with Rajeev Shukla present.
“We had taken a conscious decision that the Indian team would not participate in the trophy presentation under the circumstances,” Saikia told Cricbuzz. Though he avoided naming Naqvi or Pakistan, the subtext was clear: Naqvi doubles as Pakistan’s interior minister and PCB chief, and since 2025 India has shunned ceremonial contact with Pakistani officials.
“Given the circumstances and the sentiments prevailing in the country, the BCCI felt that it would not be appropriate for the team to receive the trophy in the proposed manner,” he said, calling it “a firm institutional decision, not directed at the players, the tournament or the sport.”
Devajit Saikia drew a sharp line between competition and ceremony. “Our participation in the Asia Cup was in fulfilment of our sporting commitments. However, participation in a multinational tournament and the manner in which the trophy is received are two separate matters.” The stance mirrored the men’s team’s refusal last September. “The Indian women’s team has done what matters most; they have won the Asia Cup through their outstanding performance on the field,” Saikia said. “We, as well as the whole nation, are immensely proud of the team.”
Indian opener Shafali Verma finished as top scorer with 236 runs at 171.01 strike rate and 47.20 average across five innings, including three fifties, plus two wickets at 5.16 economy. Deepti Sharma led the wicket-takers with 14 scalps at a 4.21 average and 3.84 economy, adding 36 runs at a 102.85 strike rate.
Saikia stressed no distraction from the Asian Games in Japan (17–22 September), where eight nations compete. Defending champions India face Japan in the 4th quarter-final on 17 September at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin, aiming to retain the gold won in Hangzhou 2023 by beating Sri Lanka by 19 runs.
“Now, our focus is on the Asian Games, and we do not allow any distraction,” Saikia said. For India’s women, the trophies may remain uncollected, but pride and purpose stand firm.
(Quotes sourced from Cricbuzz)
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