Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) [India], September 14 (ANI): Andhra Pradesh BJP spokesperson Shaik Baji on Monday backed the Indian women’s cricket team’s decision not to accept the Women’s T20 Asia Cup trophy from ACC President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi, saying national pride and respect for the country remain paramount.
Speaking to ANI, Shaik Baji said, “We honour the brave women of our nation, just as we salute players like Mohammed Shami and Mohammad Kaif who represent our country with pride. However, we remain ever-vigilant regarding those who celebrate Pakistan’s victories by distributing sweets while living here. Across the globe, as Indian citizens, we bow our heads with pride to salute our nation.”
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led India were not present on the stage during the post-match presentation ceremony after winning the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final, as the team refused to receive the trophy from ACC president and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi amid tensions over cross-border terrorism and the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, India’s military response against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
During the ceremony, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu received the runners-up cheque from Naqvi, but Indian players were absent from the stage. There were no visuals of Team India lifting the trophy or celebrating with it, as the broadcast shifted back to the studio after Sri Lanka’s presentation.
However, before the presentation ceremony started, Team India was in a huddle of their own, with their head coach Amol Muzumdar addressing the team and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia and vice-president Rajiv Shukla giving the ‘Fielder of the Match’ medal to pacer Nandani Sharma, who took two catches in the match. Saikia spoke to the players and congratulated the team on their win.
The controversy followed a similar episode during the men’s Asia Cup 2025 final, when India refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi after defeating Pakistan in the final.
Coming to the match, the Women in Blue defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final in Dubai to clinch their eighth continental title. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.
Reacting to India’s dominant win in the final, Ghosh praised the entire team for their performance and said every player contributed to the title triumph.
“It’s wonderful beating Sri Lanka by a huge margin. We are very proud of all the girls. They all played a very big role. Richa is trying to do her best. That is something which we appreciate, and we feel proud of. All the girls have done well. At the end of the day, the trophy is ours, which is the most that matters… I am sure that in the near future, many more trophies will be coming…” he said.
India produced a strong all-round display in the final, posting 183/5 after a record opening stand between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma before restricting Sri Lanka to 111. Deepti Sharma starred with the ball, taking three wickets, while Shree Charani claimed four wickets as India secured their eighth Asia Cup crown. (ANI)
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