Following their dominant 72-run victory over Sri Lanka in the 2026 Women’s T20 Asia Cup final, the Indian women’s team chose to skip the official trophy presentation ceremony in Dubai. This move mirrors a similar incident from last year’s men’s tournament, where the Indian side declined to receive the trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi. While Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, made his way to the presentation area to hand out the honors, the Indian players retreated to their dressing room, leaving only the Sri Lankan team to collect their medals amidst a loud reception from the crowd.

The decision reflects the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, which have remained strained since early 2025. Indian coach Amol Muzumdar addressed the matter post-match, confirming that the team’s absence was a direct result of a BCCI directive. He emphasized that the squad stands in full support of the board’s stance and considers the matter settled as they shift their focus toward future challenges like the Asian Games. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu remained diplomatic when asked about the situation, noting that while her team focuses on their own conduct, she respects that other teams make their own independent decisions regarding such ceremonies.