Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian women's cricket team after Harmanpreet Kaur and her side clinched the Asia Cup 2026 title.
He praised team India's confidence and consistency throughout the tournament. PM Modi's message comes after Indian women's team refused to accept the trophy from PCB cheif Mohsin Naqvi.
India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final on Sunday to win the Women's Asia Cup for a record-extending eighth time.
Following the perfect win, PM Modi took to social media to congratulate the players and support staff.
PM Modi's Message
"Congratulations to the Women’s team on winning the Asia Cup. Their confidence, consistency and remarkable spirit were on full display throughout the tournament.
"May this triumph inspire millions of youngsters across the country to play more and shine."
While the title triumph was celebrated across the country, the trophy presentation became a major talking point after the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi.
Naqvi, who is also Pakistan's Interior Minister and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, was present at the presentation ceremony. However, the Indian team did not collect the trophy from him.
Amol Muzumdar Backs BCCI Stand
India women's head coach Amol Muzumdar backed the decision and said the team was united with the BCCI on the matter.
"That stand has been taken by BCCI and we stand by it. For us, this tournament is over. We're the champions -- that's good enough. It was on the big board that India champions of Asia Cup 2026," Muzumdar said after the final.
Muzumdar stressed that the team's focus had already shifted towards the next assignment, with the Asian Games beginning on September 19 in Japan.
"This tournament is over; officially over for us. We're happy that we've turned out to be champions. Now, we look forward for the Asian Games," he said.
No Update On Trophy
When asked whether the Indian team would receive the Asia Cup trophy at a later date, Muzumdar said he had no information about the matter.
"No news as yet. So, I cannot answer that," he said.
The trophy controversy also brought back memories of the 2025 men's Asia Cup, when the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian team similarly did not accept the trophy from Naqvi.
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"That the stand has been taken by BCCI and we're united and standing by it. Absolutely."
Despite the controversy surrounding the presentation, Muzumdar said he was proud of the entire Indian unit after their successful campaign.
"For us, this tournament is officially over. The fact that we're champions, we're really glad and I'm really proud of every single person in this unit, including the support staff and the players, needless to say," he concluded.