NEW DELHI: India women’s head coach Amol Muzumdar has backed the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to not accept the Women’s Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi, saying the team stood united behind the board’s position after their emphatic 72-run victory over Sri Lanka in the final.The presentation ceremony at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday became the latest flashpoint involving Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan’s Interior Minister. As Sri Lanka collected their runners-up medals and skipper Chamari Athapaththu received the runners-up cheque from Naqvi, the Indian players were conspicuous by their absence.Muzumdar, however, insisted that India’s focus was firmly on the achievement rather than the trophy presentation.“The stand has been taken by the BCCI. We stand by it. For us, this tournament is over. We are the champions. That’s good enough. This tournament is over. Officially over for us,” Muzumdar told reporters after the final.“It was on the big board that India, the champions of Asia Cup 2026. We are happy that we’ve turned out to be champions. Now, we look forward to the Asian Games,” he added.The decision had been anticipated because of the precedent set during last year’s men’s Asia Cup. India’s men had also refused to collect the trophy from Naqvi after defeating Pakistan in the final amid heightened tensions between the two countries following the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent border hostilities.On Sunday, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and vice-president Rajeev Shukla were seen speaking to the Indian players after the victory. Before the official ceremony, the team also held its own celebrations, with Saikia and Shukla congratulating the players and presenting pacer Nandani Sharma with the ‘Fielder of the Match’ medal.When the official presentation began, however, the Indian players did not come onto the field. Sri Lanka’s players received their runners-up medals from the dignitaries before the ceremony ended without India collecting the championship trophy from Naqvi.When asked whether there was any update on the trophy and whether India would eventually receive it, Muzumdar was unequivocal.“No news. I cannot answer about this,” he said.
‘We’re united and standing by it’
Pressed further on the decision, Muzumdar reiterated that it was the BCCI’s position and that the Indian side had collectively chosen to stand behind it.“The stand has been taken by the BCCI, and we’re united and standing by it. For us, this tournament is officially over. The fact that we’re champions, we’re really glad, and I’m really proud of every single person in this unit, including the support staff and the players, needless to say. We’re looking forward to the Asian Games now,” he said.The controversy did little to overshadow India’s commanding performance in the final.
India dominate Sri Lanka to win eighth title
After being asked to bat first, India posted a formidable 183/5, with openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma producing a record-breaking start. Mandhana struck 59 off 39 balls, while Shafali smashed 68 off 39, including nine fours and two sixes, as the pair added 129 for the first wicket.India’s bowlers then completed the job, dismissing Sri Lanka for 111 in 20 overs. Sree Charani claimed 4/20, while Deepti Sharma returned 3/19 as India sealed a comprehensive 72-run victory.Muzumdar praised the entire squad after India secured their eighth Asia Cup title.“Fantastic effort. They showed up from the first game and, fittingly, finished it off strong. Really proud of all the players and all the support staff as well,” he said.
