BCCI Supports Women's Cricket Team's Decision to Decline Asia Cup Trophy
BCCI's Stance on Asia Cup Trophy
BCCI secretary Devajit Sakia (2nd from left) and Rajiv Shukla (left) congratulate Team India after the win. (Photo:@lonsaikia/X)
New Delhi, Sep 14: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed its support for the Indian women's cricket team's choice to reject the Asia Cup trophy and prize money from Mohsin Naqvi, the chief of the Asian Cricket Council. This decision was described as a “conscious, institutional” choice made in light of the current circumstances and sentiments.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the Board had informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) of its position beforehand, indicating that the women's team’s decision aligned with the men's team’s stance after their Asia Cup victory last year.
“We made a deliberate decision considering all relevant factors, and our position was communicated to the ACC in advance, indicating that the Indian team would not participate in the trophy presentation under these circumstances,” Saikia remarked to a news agency on Monday.
Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, India triumphed over Sri Lanka by 72 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, securing the continental title for an unprecedented eighth time on Sunday. However, the players opted not to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Interior.
Saikia emphasized that India’s involvement in the tournament was consistent with its obligations as an ACC member and did not signify acceptance of all conditions related to the event.
“Our participation in the Asia Cup was in fulfillment of our sporting commitments as an ACC member, adhering to the established policy, and there was never any question of compromising the spirit of the game or our dedication to international cricket,” he stated.
He also noted that relations with Pakistan have significantly worsened since April 2025.
“Our relations with that country have deteriorated significantly since April 2025, and ongoing operations continue. We simply cannot accept a trophy from one of their main leaders who acts against our country. Just as our men’s team chose not to take the trophy, our women’s team made the conscious decision to stand by that same move,” he explained.
Saikia affirmed that this decision does not undermine India’s impressive performance, highlighting that the team won every match convincingly.
“It doesn’t diminish the performances of our team. Our team played superbly,” he remarked, adding that the women’s side has made significant progress.
Looking ahead, India’s focus is now on the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, with the team set to depart from Delhi.
“Right now, our focus is on tomorrow... Our goal is to bring home the gold medal, and that is our sole objective,” Saikia concluded, indicating that there would be no immediate celebration for the Asia Cup-winning team.