A familiar figure could once again find himself at the centre of an Asia Cup trophy presentation involving India. According to a report, Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi is set to be the chief guest for the closing ceremony of the Women’s Asia Cup final on September 13.
That could set up a repeat of last year’s controversial trophy presentation, when India refused to accept the men’s Asia Cup trophy from Naqvi after beating Pakistan in the final. If India reaches the summit clash in the women’s tournament and win, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side could face a similar situation, depending on who presents the silverware.
Naqvi’s presence at the final has not been officially confirmed by the BCCI, nor has there been any indication of how the Indian team would respond if he is involved in the presentation. The ACC president attended last year’s men’s final despite the tension surrounding India-Pakistan relations during the tournament.
The 2025 men’s Asia Cup final ended with India lifting the title, but the trophy presentation was delayed by more than an hour amid a standoff over the ceremony. India eventually celebrated without the trophy after declining to receive it from Naqvi, with the silverware later remaining at the ACC office in Dubai.
The backdrop to that controversy was particularly tense, with the tournament taking place after the Pahalgam terror attack and Naqvi making statements on social media that drew criticism in India. The India-Pakistan rivalry remained a major source of friction throughout the competition.
A year later, attention has shifted to the women’s tournament, where India have emerged as one of the strongest sides. Harmanpreet’s team have already secured a semi-final spot without losing a match. India began their campaign with victories over Thailand, Hong Kong and Pakistan.
Their win over Pakistan was especially dominant, with India bowling the opposition out for just 55 before completing a seven-wicket chase. The tournament has also witnessed Smriti Mandhana become the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket, surpassing Mithali Raj’s tally.
With India among the favourites for the title, the cricket itself could once again be accompanied by a closely watched trophy ceremony. Whether Naqvi is ultimately involved in handing over the silverware, and how the Indian team responds if he is, could become one of the defining talking points of the September 13 final.
