Once again, India has sparked controversy by seemingly violating the spirit of sportsmanship. After winning the final of the Women’s Asia Cup, the Indian women’s team refused to accept the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, who was the chief guest at the Women’s Asia Cup final.
Last year, the Indian men’s team had also refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi. The Indian women’s team became the Women’s Asia Cup champions for a record eighth time, defeating defending champions Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final.
The development marks another controversy surrounding the presentation of an Asia Cup trophy to an Indian team in the presence of Naqvi. “Cricket has once again been overshadowed by politics,” sources said, describing the Indian team’s decision as contrary to the spirit of sportsmanship. It was the second such incident involving an Indian team within a year.
Chasing a target of 184 runs, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 111. Captain Chamari scored 36 runs, while Nilakshika contributed 22 runs. It is worth noting that last year, the Indian men’s cricket team also refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, a move that sparked controversy surrounding the trophy presentation ceremony.
Meanwhile, the Indian women’s team secured the Women’s Asia Cup title for a record eighth time after defeating defending champions Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final. Batting first, India scored 183 runs, setting Sri Lanka a target of 184. In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 111 runs.
For Sri Lanka, captain Chamari Athapaththu top-scored with 36 runs, while Nilakshi de Silva contributed 22. However, the rest of the batting lineup struggled to resist India’s bowling attack.