India's women's cricket team clinched a record-extending eighth Asia Cup title on Sunday with a 72-run victory over Sri Lanka in Dubai. However, the team refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan's interior minister. The incident is a stark replay of last year's controversy when India's men's team also skipped the prize ceremony with Naqvi after defeating Pakistan in the Asia Cup final.

In the final, India posted 183-5, with Smriti Mandhana scoring 59 and Shafali Verma 68. Spinner Shree Charani then took 4-20 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 111. The trophy presentation was delayed by nearly an hour before ending abruptly after Naqvi presented the runners-up medals to the Sri Lankan team. Indian officials instead conducted their own medal presentation for the champions.

"That stand has been taken by BCCI (India's cricket board) and we stand by it," India coach Amol Muzumdar told reporters. "For us, this tournament is over, we are the champions. That's good enough." India and Pakistan, who last year engaged in a military conflict that threatened to turn into a full-blown war, avoid bilateral cricket series and only meet in international tournaments.

The incident underscores the persistent political acrimony between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, which often spills onto the cricket field. Pakistan may view the snub as disrespectful, while India maintains its stance.

In other news, India's Ministry of Defense reported that China significantly reduced its troop presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in 2025 amid increased diplomatic engagement. Meanwhile, India approved electricity exports to Nepal for up to 18 hours a day until December 31, after devastating floods destroyed more than 12 hydropower plants and wiped out about a tenth of Nepal's generation capacity.

Source: www.dw.com