Why India Did Not Accept Women’s Asia Cup Trophy From Mohsin Naqvi: BCCI Explains

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has explained why the Indian women’s cricket team did not accept the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi after defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the decision was connected to India’s position on Pakistan and the unresolved matter involving the men’s Asia Cup trophy from last year. He said the board wanted to maintain consistency in its approach and avoid a situation where the women’s team acted differently from the position taken regarding the men’s team.

Saikia said the decision reflected the prevailing circumstances and the sentiments of people who do not want India to play against Pakistan. He added that while India continues to participate in multinational tournaments involving Pakistan, the BCCI does not currently consider certain individuals acceptable for receiving trophies from.

The BCCI’s position is also linked to the men’s Asia Cup title won by India in 2025. According to Saikia, the trophy from that tournament has still not been handed over to the BCCI, despite the board continuing to pursue its return.

Saikia said the board wanted to show solidarity with the men’s team and argued that accepting the women’s trophy under the current circumstances could contradict its existing position. He expressed hope that both trophies would eventually be handed over to India.

The Indian women’s team celebrated its title victory on the field after defeating Sri Lanka. Head coach Amol Muzumdar addressed the squad before the medal ceremony, while BCCI officials, including Saikia and vice-president Rajeev Shukla, took part in the celebrations. Saikia also congratulated the players on their successful campaign.

The BCCI had reportedly proposed an alternative arrangement to avoid the dispute. Saikia said the board suggested that the ACC deputy chairman present the trophy to the Indian team instead.

However, Naqvi later appeared at the presentation ceremony and handed the runners-up cheque to Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu. The broadcast ended shortly after Athapaththu spoke to Farvez Maharoof, leaving the subsequent events surrounding the trophy presentation unclear.

Naqvi was later seen leaving the field with other ACC officials, while the Indian team did not receive the trophy from him. The trophy was also not seen with Naqvi as he left the stadium.

Saikia stressed that the BCCI’s decision was not intended to manufacture controversy. He pointed to the wider circumstances between India and Pakistan and said the board could not act as though relations between the two sides were normal.

The latest incident has once again highlighted the complicated relationship between India and Pakistan in international cricket. India continues to participate in multinational competitions where Pakistan is involved, while maintaining its position against bilateral cricket between the two countries.