Why is Mohsin Naqvi back in focus a year after running away with men's Asia Cup 2025 trophy? All you need to know
India have been unbeaten in the ongoing Women's Asia Cup so far and are considered a favourite to win the tournament. As the ACC chairman, Mohsin Naqvi is expected to attend the closing ceremony in Dubai on 13 September.
A year after the Asia Cup trophy controversy in Dubai in 2025, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi is once again in the spotlight as the Women's Asia Cup 2026 nears its conclusion in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Naqvi, also Pakistan's interior minister, was at the centre of a storm last year when the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian men's team refused to accept the winner's trophy from him after beating Pakistan in the summit clash.
The incident unfolded against the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, and India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor, with Naqvi posting some anti-India comments on social media.
India celebrated without the silverware as Naqvi carried the trophy to ACC headquarters in Dubai, where, despite several requests from the BCCI, it still remains.
Why Mohsin Naqvi will present silverware?
A similar scenario could play out on 13 September, with Naqvi expected to present the trophy at the Women's Asia Cup final, according to a report on Geo Super. If Harmanpreet Kaur's India clinch the title, attention will turn to whether the team accepts the trophy from Naqvi. The BCCI has so far remained silent on the issue, with Indian women just two wins away from the title.
India's show at Women's Asia Cup 2026 so far
India have so far been the dominant side in the Women's Asia Cup 2026. Placed in Group A, India started with a 94-run win over Thailand, before Smriti Mandhana's record-breaking hundred inspired the Women in Blue to a mammoth 137-run victory over Hong Kong.
Having already secured a semifinal spot after two wins in two matches, Harmanpreet's India extended their domination with a massive seven-wicket demolition of arch-rivals Pakistan. Batting first, Pakistan were bundled out for just 55 runs. India romped home in 8.4 overs.
In the semifinals, India will play in the first game on 10 September against either Bangladesh or the UAE. Sri Lanka have already qualified for the last four by virtue of being Group B toppers. With both Bangladesh and the UAE locked at 2 points each, the winner between them on 8 September will play India in the first semifinal at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
About the Author
Koushik lives and breathes sports. After transitioning from his own aspirations of becoming a professional athlete, he successfully channeled that lifelong passion into a prolific career, documenting the action both from the sidelines and the editorial desk. With over eight years of industry experience, Koushik joined LiveMint as a Deputy Chief Content Producer in 2024, following impactful stints at Outlook India, India.com, Sportskeeda, Women’s CricZone, and OrissaPOST. A 2017 Journalism and Mass Communication graduate from Maharaja Manindra Chandra College, Kolkata, Koushik has reported on high-profile events including the FIFA U17 World Cup 2017, Ranji Trophy, FIH Pro League, FIH World League finals, the Indian Premier League, and Lionel Messi’s historic visit to Kolkata in 2025. <br><br> While he possesses a versatile command over all sports, he finds his niche in cricket, specializing in breaking news, long-form interviews, global sporting updates, and high-energy live blogs. Koushik’s professional perspective was further sharpened through the 2020 AIPS Young Reporters Programme, where he gained invaluable insights from renowned international journalists, including Keir Radnedge and Riccardo Romani from the United Kingdom, and Martin Mazur from Argentina. Currently based between Kolkata and Delhi, Koushik remains at the forefront of the breaking developments that shape the public sporting discourse. When he isn't tracking scores or deconstructing plays, he can be found exploring new landscapes on his travels or channeling his creative energy into the kitchen. <br><br> If you have a compelling story to share or know an individual who deserves the spotlight, please reach out via email at <a href="koushik.paul@htdigital.in">koushik.paul@htdigital.in</a>.
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