The controversy surrounding the Women’s Asia Cup trophy has gained attention after BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla provided insights into why the Indian women’s cricket team declined to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi. This decision followed the team’s title victory in Dubai, prompting discussions about the circumstances surrounding the award ceremony.
India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final on Sunday to clinch a record-extending eighth title. “We had won the Asian Games. We have now won the Asia Cup.
However, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side did not collect the trophy from Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief. Our women have once again made us feel honoured. We will continue to win.
Our team is going to Japan tomorrow, and we will win there as well,” he said.
The decision by the women’s team followed a similar episode involving the Indian men’s team at the 2025 Asia Cup. The latest incident therefore marked another chapter in the Asia Cup trophy controversy involving the two teams.
He didn’t object to it, and we told our team. There was no quarrel, no fight, no clash,” Shukla said. It doesn’t mean that you have to criticise them hugely,” Shukla said.
“We discussed the trophy issue and decided not to take it from him. They gave whatever they had and left. His comments came after the trophy presentation became a major talking point following India’s dominant victory over Sri Lanka. The Indian team celebrated its eighth Women’s Asia Cup title but did not participate in the traditional trophy presentation with Naqvi. The episode also came amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. After winning the men’s tournament, India also did not collect the trophy from Naqvi. Shukla, however, stressed that his interactions with Naqvi during the tournament were not confrontational. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and Shukla were seen speaking with Naqvi during the final in the Royal Box. “When you sit in a match, everyone sits and meets there. With the Women’s Asia Cup campaign now over, India’s focus will shift to the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Shukla backed the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side to continue its winning run after another major tournament victory.
