The Women’s T20 Asia Cup final in Dubai could bring more than just cricketing drama. According to a report, Mohsin Naqvi is set to attend the closing ceremony on September 13 and may present the trophy to the winners, setting up the possibility of another India-related standoff if the team reaches the final.
The issue has quickly become a talking point because of what happened during the men’s Asia Cup last year. India won that final against Pakistan, but the trophy presentation turned into a controversy when Naqvi, who was then also serving as ACC president, did not hand over the winner’s trophy in the usual manner. The trophy remained at ACC headquarters in Dubai afterward, and the episode left a lingering cloud over the tournament.
Naqvi likely to be chief guest in Dubai
Geo Super reported that Naqvi, who is currently the President of the Asian Cricket Council and Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, is expected to travel to Dubai for the final ceremony. The report added that he will be the chief guest at the closing event and is likely to present the Women’s T20 Asia Cup trophy to the champions.
That possibility has naturally raised questions about how a presentation ceremony would unfold if India qualify for the final. With India already among the tournament favorites, the scenario is not far-fetched, and it comes with obvious sensitivity after recent history.
India already have momentum in the tournament
Harmanpreet Kaur’s side have made a strong statement in the competition. India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in their Group A clash on September 5, dismissing Pakistan for just 55 runs in what became their lowest total in women’s T20Is.
India chased the target in only 8.4 overs, finishing the game with remarkable ease. Shree Charani and Prema Rawat starred with the ball, taking three wickets each as Pakistan struggled badly against India’s attack.
| Match Detail | Stat |
|---|---|
| Pakistan total | 55 all out |
| India result | Won by 7 wickets |
| India chase | 8.4 overs |
| Charani wickets | 3 |
| Prema Rawat wickets | 3 |
That win helped India collect six points and finish top of Group A with a net run rate of 5.471. The numbers underline how dominant India have looked so far, and why a rematch in the final remains a real possibility.
The shadow of last year’s men’s final
The concern around this final is not about the cricket itself, but about what might happen after it. India’s victory over Pakistan in last year’s men’s Asia Cup final ended in awkward circumstances, with the trophy ceremony drawing more attention than the match result.
Naqvi’s dual role at the time as ACC president and PCB chairman became a major point of debate. That controversy did not disappear after the event, and the trophy has reportedly continued to remain at the ACC office in Dubai despite efforts from the BCCI to resolve the matter.
As one cricket observer put it, “The cricket should be the story, not the ceremony.” That sentiment now appears relevant again, especially if India go all the way in the women’s edition.
What happens if India reach the final?
For now, India still have work to do before even thinking about the trophy presentation. But the possibility of another India-Naqvi flashpoint is already being discussed because of how the previous episode unfolded and how closely this one could resemble it.
Sri Lanka have also secured a semi-final place after defeating Bangladesh by four wickets on September 6. Pakistan, meanwhile, still have a game in hand against Hong Kong on September 7, which keeps their semifinal hopes alive and leaves the door open for another India-Pakistan final.
If that happens, the tournament could again be shaped by off-field discussion. Ideally, the final should be remembered for the team that wins it, not the debate around who hands over the trophy.
For India, the immediate target remains simple: keep winning, reach the final, and let the cricket do the talking. But with Naqvi expected in Dubai, the spotlight may extend well beyond the boundary line.
