The Women’s Asia Cup trophy controversy has taken centre stage after BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla revealed why the Indian team did not accept the silverware from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi following their title triumph in Dubai.
“We had won the Asian Games. We have now won the Asia Cup. Our team is going to Japan tomorrow, and we will win there as well,” he said.
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. 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. Our women have once again made us feel honoured. We will continue to win.
The latest incident therefore marked another chapter in the Asia Cup trophy controversy involving the two teams. India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final on Sunday to clinch a record-extending eighth title. The decision by the women’s team followed a similar episode involving the Indian men’s team at the 2025 Asia Cup.
It doesn’t mean that you have to criticise them hugely,” Shukla said.
