The upcoming Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 final in Dubai has attracted attention beyond the cricket itself, with reports indicating that Asian Cricket Council President and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to attend the tournament’s closing ceremony on September 13.
According to reports from Geo Super and several Indian media outlets, Naqvi is expected to be present at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for the final and may be involved in the presentation of the tournament trophy to the winning team. His reported presence has brought back memories of the controversial trophy presentation following last year’s men’s Asia Cup final.
The situation is attracting particular interest because India could potentially be involved in the trophy presentation. India have been among the strongest teams in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup campaign and have advanced to the knockout stage after a strong group-stage performance. If the Indian women’s team reaches the final and wins the tournament, the role of Naqvi in the presentation ceremony could become a major talking point.
However, it is important to distinguish between reported possibilities and confirmed decisions. There has been no official announcement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India or the Indian women’s team indicating that they would refuse to accept the trophy from Naqvi. Reports about a possible repeat of last year’s incident remain speculative at this stage.
The background to the issue goes back to the 2025 men’s Asia Cup final, which was also held in Dubai. India defeated Pakistan by five wickets to win the tournament. The post-match presentation became controversial when the Indian team did not accept the winners’ trophy from Naqvi, who was serving as ACC president and PCB chairman at the time. Naqvi also holds a senior political position in Pakistan.
The trophy presentation was delayed and ultimately did not follow the usual format. Indian players accepted individual awards but did not take the team trophy from Naqvi. The incident attracted considerable attention because of the wider political tensions between India and Pakistan. Reuters reported that the trophy presentation controversy overshadowed part of India’s Asia Cup triumph.
The 2025 episode subsequently led to further discussion between cricket administrators over the handling of the trophy and presentation ceremony. Naqvi later apologised to the BCCI over the management of the presentation, although the controversy continued to receive attention.
With Naqvi reportedly scheduled to attend this year’s women’s final, questions have naturally emerged about how the ceremony could be handled if India become champions. The possibility is particularly significant because Naqvi occupies both the ACC presidency and the chairmanship of the PCB.
The Women’s T20 Asia Cup final is scheduled for September 13 in Dubai. The tournament features eight teams, with the competition being hosted in the United Arab Emirates. The final will determine the champions of the women’s T20 continental competition.
For now, the focus remains on the cricket. India have produced strong performances during the tournament and entered the knockout stage unbeaten after victories over Thailand, Hong Kong and Pakistan. Their campaign has placed them among the leading contenders for the title.
If India qualify for the final and eventually win the championship, attention will inevitably shift toward the closing ceremony and trophy presentation. The central question will be whether Naqvi personally presents the trophy or whether tournament officials choose a different arrangement.
It is also possible that the ceremony proceeds without controversy. Unlike the 2025 men's final, there has been no official indication that the Indian women's team or the BCCI plans to take any particular position regarding Naqvi. Any suggestion that the team will refuse the trophy would therefore be premature without an official statement.
The issue highlights the complicated relationship between sporting events and wider India-Pakistan tensions. While cricket remains the primary focus of the Asia Cup, administrative and ceremonial decisions can attract significant attention when officials from both countries are involved.
The September 13 final is therefore expected to generate interest both on and off the field. The result will decide the women’s Asian champion, while the presentation ceremony could receive additional scrutiny because of the events surrounding last year’s men’s competition.
Until the tournament authorities or the BCCI provide further clarification, the situation should be viewed as a developing story rather than a confirmed repeat of the 2025 trophy controversy. Mohsin Naqvi’s reported attendance is the current development, while any decision regarding the actual trophy presentation remains to be seen.