Asia Cup 2026: PM Modi Hails India Women After Historic Win as Mohsin Naqvi Trophy Row Grabs Attention
The Indian women’s cricket team has given fans another reason to celebrate after lifting the Asia Cup 2026 title in emphatic fashion. India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final to claim the continental trophy for a record eighth time.
The victory sparked celebrations across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah among the prominent figures congratulating the team.
But the celebrations came alongside another talking point. The trophy presentation involving Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister, quickly became a major talking point on social media.
The Indian players did not accept the trophy directly from Naqvi, turning the presentation into one of the most discussed moments of the tournament.
PM Modi praises India’s confidence and fighting spirit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian women’s team following their impressive campaign. He praised the players for showing confidence, consistency and tremendous determination throughout the tournament.
Calling the triumph a proud moment for Indian cricket, Modi said the team’s performance could inspire millions of youngsters across the country to take up sport and aim higher.
His message came shortly after India completed a dominant run through the tournament. The team did not just win the final; it maintained an impressive level of consistency throughout the competition.
For Indian women’s cricket, victories like this carry significance beyond the trophy itself. The growing attention around the women’s game has created a much bigger platform for players, and a major Asia Cup triumph only adds to that momentum.
President Murmu and Amit Shah also congratulate Team India
President Droupadi Murmu also extended her congratulations to the champions.
She praised the players for performing brilliantly as a unit and highlighted their unbeaten campaign. According to her message, the team’s success has brought pride to the country and made the players an inspiration, particularly for young girls.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also congratulated the Indian team on social media.
Shah described the victory as another major achievement for Indian cricket and praised the team’s dominance throughout the tournament. He also highlighted the inspiration the players have provided to millions of cricket fans.
With messages pouring in from India’s top leadership, the magnitude of the team’s achievement was clear.
India crush Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final
The final itself was a one-sided affair.
After winning the toss at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India opted to bat first. The decision quickly looked like the right one as the opening pair of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana took control of the contest.
Shafali produced an aggressive innings of 68 runs, while Mandhana contributed a classy 59. The two openers put together a huge 129-run partnership for the first wicket, giving India the perfect platform.
India eventually finished their 20 overs at 183 for 5, leaving Sri Lanka with a daunting target of 184.
The pressure was evident when Sri Lanka began its chase. India’s bowlers kept things tight and prevented the Sri Lankan batters from building meaningful partnerships.
Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for just 111 runs in 20 overs, handing India a comprehensive 72-run victory.
The result sealed India’s eighth Women’s Asia Cup title and underlined the team’s dominance in the tournament.
Mohsin Naqvi trophy episode becomes a talking point
While India’s performance on the field was the real story, the trophy presentation generated plenty of discussion.
After winning the final, the Indian women’s team reportedly declined to receive the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the ACC president and Pakistan’s interior minister.
The incident immediately attracted attention on social media, where supporters and cricket followers offered sharply different reactions.
The episode also carried additional context because of tensions that have surrounded India-Pakistan cricket in recent months. Naqvi had previously been involved in a trophy presentation involving the Indian men’s cricket team, which also became a subject of intense discussion.
As a result, the women’s team’s decision quickly became part of the wider conversation surrounding cricket and diplomacy.
However, for the Indian team, the bigger achievement remained what happened during the 20 overs of the final.
They had dominated Sri Lanka with both bat and ball and walked away with another major continental title.
India’s women’s cricket dominance continues
The latest triumph further strengthens India’s record in the Women’s Asia Cup.
Winning the tournament for the eighth time is a remarkable achievement and reflects the depth and consistency of Indian women’s cricket.
The performances of Shafali and Mandhana in the final were particularly important. Their 129-run opening partnership effectively took the game away from Sri Lanka before India’s bowlers completed the job.
For the younger generation watching the team, the message is equally powerful. Indian women’s cricket is no longer simply about participation or competing for trophies. The expectation is increasingly about winning them.
That change has been visible over the past few years, with more players gaining recognition and women’s cricket receiving greater attention from fans and broadcasters.
The Asia Cup victory adds another important chapter to that story.
A memorable night for Indian cricket
The 2026 Women’s Asia Cup final will likely be remembered for several reasons.
There was India’s record eighth title, the explosive opening partnership between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, the dominant bowling performance that restricted Sri Lanka to 111, and the trophy presentation involving Mohsin Naqvi.
But above all, it was a night that belonged to the Indian women’s cricket team.
From the first ball of the tournament to the final wicket in Dubai, India showed the confidence and consistency that champions are expected to display.
The congratulations from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and Amit Shah added another layer to an already memorable victory.
For Indian cricket fans, the message is simple: the women’s team has once again delivered on the biggest stage.
And if this generation continues to perform with the same confidence and hunger, there could be many more celebrations ahead.
What do you think about India’s Asia Cup 2026 triumph and the Mohsin Naqvi trophy presentation episode? Share your opinion in the comments.
