The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified its position regarding the trophy dispute following the Women’s Asia Cup. After the Indian women’s team secured a victory against Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final, they chose not to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This decision led to a renewed wave of controversy, prompting BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia to address the matter on Sunday, September 13.
Saikia explained, “The events following the final are quite normal, considering our country’s interests and the respect we owe to our people. There are many who feel strongly against facing a particular country, and despite continuing to play, we feel it’s not right to accept a trophy from individuals whom we currently do not find acceptable.”
Additionally, Saikia highlighted that the BCCI’s stance was also shaped by the ongoing issue regarding the men’s Asia Cup trophy from the previous year, which India won but has yet to be awarded to the BCCI.
“We want to ensure consistency in our actions. We cannot have our women’s team accept something that goes against the position established with our men’s team,” he said. “The men’s team won the Asia Cup approximately a year ago, and we are still pursuing that trophy. I have discussed this matter with those responsible multiple times, but there has been no return of the trophy.”
He further admitted, “Given this situation, how can we go against our principles? Nothing has changed for the past year and a half, and we are hopeful that sense will prevail, leading to both trophies being handed over to India soon.”
Regarding the celebration after their win, the Indian players had their own moment on the field, with head coach Amol Muzumdar addressing the team before the medal ceremony. BCCI’s Saikia and vice-president Rajeev Shukla presented a fielding medal to player Nandani Sharma.
Saikia also mentioned that the BCCI suggested an alternative solution to avoid any misunderstandings. They proposed that the deputy chairman of the ACC present the trophy to the Indian team.
“We suggested that the deputy chairman of the ACC take part in the presentation to avoid any controversy, as we all understand the current atmosphere,” he added.
Naqvi was later seen handing the runners-up check to Sri Lanka’s captain, Chamari Athapaththu, and after her remarks, the ceremony concluded. However, details of what happened next were not broadcasted, as the coverage ended shortly thereafter.
Following the event, Naqvi and other ACC officials left the field, while the Indian team did not receive the trophy. Saikia emphasized that this decision was not meant to stir conflict but rather reflected the reality of cricketing relations between India and Pakistan.
“We are aware of the realities and situations affecting our relations across the borders. Everyone recognizes the context, and we cannot pretend that everything is fine,” Saikia concluded.
This incident has once again spotlighted the complex sporting relationship between India and Pakistan. Even though India participates in international tournaments with Pakistan, the BCCI has maintained a strict stance on bilateral cricket matches between the two nations.
