Mohsin Naqvi was targeted with “trophy chor” (a person who steals a trophy) slogans after the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman came up on the podium during the presentation ceremony of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026, that concluded on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The incident took place after the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final where India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs, to claim their record-extending eighth title. However, starting in solidarity with Indian men’s team, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side refused to receive the winner’s trophy from Naqvi.
While Naqvi stood on the podium along with the other dignitaries and handed the runners-up cheque to Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu, the Indian team didn’t turn up for the ceremony, and instead did their own medal ceremony in the presence of BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and board vice-president Rajiv Shukla.
In a viral video circulating on social media, fans chanted “trophy chor, trophy chor”, as soon as Naqvi went to the podium. Notably, Naqvi also holds the posts of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and an interior minister in the Government of Pakistan.
Why Mohsin Naqvi was targeted as trophy chor?
The “trophy chor” thing dates back in 2025 at the same venue, during the men’s Asia Cup final won by India, beating Pakistan in the final. Following their victory in the final, the then-Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian side refused to accept the winner’s trophy from Naqvi in protest against the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and standing in solidarity with Operation Sindoor.
After India’s refusal, Naqvi ran away with the Asia Cup trophy and kept it in the ACC headquarters. The BCCI requested several times during ICC meetings to hand over the Asia Cup trophy, but Naqvi remained adamant that Suryakumar have to take the trophy from his hand in Dubai.
However, unlike in the men’s competition in 2025, Naqvi walked out of the stadium on Sunday empty handed. It is not clear where the women’s trophy is kept at after the whole incident.
What did BCCI say?
The BCCI said they have “no regrets” on the whole matter. Reacting to the whole issue, Saikia stated that the BCCI has “no regrets” as the priority and ambition was to become champions. “Everything went very well. We won, and everyone is extremely happy. Everyone is proud of their performance, and the biggest thing is that our country’s name is shining bright,” Saikia told news agency IANS, reported by Sportstar.
The Indian team will be heading to Japan from Dubai for the Asian Games 2026. Harmanpreet’s side will be opening their campaign against hosts Japan on September 18 in the quarterfinals. India are the defending champions in the women’s cricket event. In all probability, India are expected to face Bangladesh in semis, who take on China in the quarterfinals.