Institutional decision to not receive the trophy – Devajit Saikia

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the Indian women’s team’s decision not to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi was a conscious and institutional call. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the position was communicated to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in advance, deeming it inappropriate to participate in the presentation under the prevailing circumstances.

Saikia did not explicitly name Naqvi or Pakistan in his statement but emphasized that the wounds of the Pahalgam terror attack have not healed in the country. Following India’s retaliation through Operation Sindoor in May 2025, Indian teams have engaged with Pakistan on the sporting field but refrained from customary pleasantries. Consequently, Indian players have stopped shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts and steadfastly refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who serves as the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board, the ACC, and as a minister in the Pakistan government.

“Given the circumstances and the sentiments prevailing in the country, the BCCI felt that it would not be appropriate for the team to receive the trophy in the proposed manner. This was a firm institutional decision, reflective of the position we have maintained, and was not directed at the players, the tournament or the sport,” Saikia said.

The BCCI secretary clarified that India will continue to honour its international sporting commitments, but noted that participation in multi-national competitions and the manner of accepting the trophy are two separate issues.

“Our participation in the Asia Cup was in fulfilment of our sporting commitments as a member of the Asian Cricket Council by adhering to the policy in place, and there was never any question of compromising on the spirit of the game or our commitment to international cricket. However, participation in a multinational tournament and the manner in which the trophy is received are two separate matters.”

Congratulating the Indian women’s team on their Asia Cup triumph, Saikia assured that the BCCI would not allow the trophy fiasco to distract from the team’s upcoming Asian Games campaign.

“The Indian women’s team has done what matters most, they have won the Asia Cup through their outstanding performance on the field. We as well as the whole nation are immensely proud of the team, and the achievement belongs to the players and to Indian cricket. Now, our focus is on the Asian Games and we do not allow any distraction at this stage from the preparation for the same,” Saikia remarked.