Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi is set to attend the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 final in Dubai and present the trophy to the champions, according to a report by Geo Super, raising the possibility of another closely watched presentation ceremony should India reach the title decider.
Naqvi, who is also Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, is expected to travel to Dubai for the September 13 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. He is set to serve as chief guest at the closing ceremony before presenting the tournament trophy to the winning team.
India’s progress puts trophy presentation in focus
India have already secured a place in the semi-finals after completing an unbeaten group-stage campaign, meaning a potential appearance in the final remains in play.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s side began with a 94-run victory over Thailand before defeating Hong Kong by 137 runs. Smriti Mandhana scored 124 from 64 deliveries as India reached 193 for five against Hong Kong, before dismissing their opponents for 56.
India then defeated Pakistan by seven wickets to complete their group-stage campaign. Pakistan were bowled out for 55, with Sree Charani and Prema Rawat taking three wickets apiece, before India completed the chase in 8.4 overs.
There has been no indication from either the Indian team or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about how a trophy presentation involving Naqvi would be handled if India qualify for and win the final.
Men’s Asia Cup ceremony provides recent precedent
The attention surrounding Naqvi’s planned involvement follows the unusual conclusion to the men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, as previously reported by cricexec.
India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the final in Dubai but declined to receive the winners’ trophy and medals from Naqvi. The presentation ceremony was delayed by more than an hour, with India prepared to receive the trophy from a neutral official instead.
Individual awards were still presented during the ceremony, while Pakistan Captain Salman Ali Agha received the runners-up prize money. The event ultimately concluded without India collecting the championship trophy on stage.
The silverware subsequently remained at the ACC headquarters despite efforts by the BCCI to obtain it.
Women’s Asia Cup heads towards knockout stage
The circumstances surrounding the 2025 men’s final provide an unusual backdrop to the closing stages of this year’s women’s competition, but India must first progress through the semi-finals before any potential repeat of an India-Naqvi trophy presentation becomes relevant.
The eight-team Women’s T20 Asia Cup is scheduled to conclude at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 13, when Naqvi is set to attend the closing ceremony and present the trophy to the tournament champions.
