Dubai/New Delhi: BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has backed the Indian women’s cricket team’s decision not to accept the Women’s Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi following their emphatic victory over Sri Lanka in the final.
India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in Dubai to win a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title. However, the post-match presentation became controversial after the Indian players did not collect the trophy from Naqvi, who is also chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Saikia Explains India's Stand
Saikia said the women's team's decision was consistent with the position taken by the Indian men's team after its Asia Cup triumph last year.
According to Saikia, India's position was influenced by the changed circumstances in India-Pakistan relations following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. He said the BCCI had communicated its position to the ACC ahead of the presentation.
The BCCI secretary maintained that India could not accept the trophy from Naqvi given his multiple political and cricketing roles in Pakistan.
Women's Team Follows Previous Men's Team Decision
The latest incident mirrors the controversy surrounding the 2025 Men's Asia Cup final, when India's men's team also declined to receive the trophy from Naqvi.
The decision has therefore become a recurring point of tension between the BCCI and the ACC, particularly because Naqvi occupies both the ACC presidency and the chairmanship of the PCB.
India Still Celebrates Historic Title
Despite the unusual presentation ceremony, the Indian women's team's focus remained on its achievement on the field.
India produced a dominant performance against Sri Lanka, posting 183/5 before bowling the hosts out for 111, securing a 72-run victory and their eighth Women's Asia Cup championship.
The team's head coach Amol Muzumdar also backed the BCCI's position, saying the players stood united behind the decision.
Trophy Presentation Turns Into Political Flashpoint
The trophy ceremony was delayed and ultimately became the main talking point after the match.
Naqvi remained on the presentation stage and handed the runners-up cheque to Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, while India's players celebrated their championship separately.
The episode has once again highlighted how strained India-Pakistan relations continue to affect cricketing events involving the two countries.
BCCI Officials Met Naqvi After the Final
Interestingly, Saikia and BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla were present in Dubai and later met Naqvi after the final.
Naqvi was reported to have said that officials "meet everyone", highlighting the difference between institutional interactions and the Indian team's decision regarding the trophy presentation.
What Happens to India's Trophy?
The immediate question is what happens to the physical Asia Cup trophy after India won the tournament but did not accept it from Naqvi.
The issue is particularly notable because the Indian men's team also did not receive its Asia Cup trophy following the 2025 controversy. Reports have indicated that the earlier trophy remained with the ACC.
Key Highlights
🏆 India: Won the Women's Asia Cup for a record eighth time
🇮🇳 Victory: Beat Sri Lanka by 72 runs
🚫 Trophy: Indian players did not accept it from Mohsin Naqvi
🏏 BCCI: Secretary Devajit Saikia backed the decision
🇵🇰 Naqvi: ACC president and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman
🔥 Background: Decision follows continuing India-Pakistan tensions
🔁 Previous incident: India's men's team took a similar position in 2025
