Conscious, institutional decision: BCCI secretary on Asia Cup trophy row

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia on Monday said the women’s cricket team’s refusal to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) Pakistani chief Mohsin Naqvi was a “conscious, institutional” call taken by the Board, keeping circumstances and sentiments in view.

The Indian women’s team defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final on Sunday in Dubai but did not accept the trophy from Naqvi, continuing a trend started by the men’s team during the 2025 Asia Cup following the Pahalgam terror attack.

“We had taken a conscious decision considering all prevailing aspects, and our position had been communicated to ACC in advance, that Indian team would not participate in trophy presentation under the circumstances,” Saikia said.

“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,” he added.

Following the terror attack in April last year, the two countries were also engaged in a brief military showdown in May.

While there is a prevailing debate whether India should boycott all games against Pakistan, secretary Saikia reiterated that all sporting commitments would always be fulfilled, as the Government of India has allowed them to play the hostile neighbours in multi-nation tournaments. “Our participation in the Asia Cup was in fulfilment of our sporting commitments as a member of the ACC by adhering to the policy in place, and there was never any question of compromising on the spirit of game or our commitment to international cricket.

“However, participation in a multinational tournament and the manner in which trophy is received are separate matters,” Advocate General of Assam stated.

While holding the trophy aloft would have been a great moment, the BCCI secretary is happy that Harmanpreet Kaur’s side accomplished its assignment to perfection.

“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.”

The women’s team will now be flying to Japan to defend its gold medal won in Hangzhou during the last edition of the Asian Games.

“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 signed off.