BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has clarified that India’s decision to decline accepting the Women’s Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman and Pakistan cricket administrator Mohsin Naqvi was a collective board decision, adding that Naqvi raised no objection to the move.
The Indian women’s cricket team defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final in Dubai to claim the title, but maintained the board’s protocol by refusing to receive the trophy directly from Naqvi, continuing a posture previously observed by the Indian men’s team.
Collective Board Decision
Speaking to reporters at the Indira Gandhi International Airport upon returning with the squad, Shukla stated that the matter was deliberated internally prior to the presentation ceremony.
“We discussed the matter among ourselves and decided that we would not accept it [the trophy] from him. It was our collective decision. He [Naqvi] also did not raise any objection to it,” Shukla said. “We informed our team accordingly, and he presented it to whoever he had to and then left.”
National Sentiment and Precedent
Shukla’s remarks follow explanations shared by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, who emphasized that the decision was anchored in national interest and public sentiment. Saikia stressed that India’s stance was specifically about refusing to receive accolades from individuals who remain unacceptable to the team under current circumstances.
Saikia also linked the refusal to an unresolved dispute involving the Indian men’s team, whose 2025 Asia Cup trophy has yet to reach India despite their victory a year prior. Saikia noted that violating their established position would create an internal conflict, expressing hope that good sense will prevail and both trophies will be duly delivered to India.
Routine Interaction and Asian Games Outlook
Addressing photographs that circulated showing Saikia speaking with Naqvi during the final, Shukla dismissed the surrounding criticism, calling it standard professional conduct at an international sporting event.
Looking ahead, Shukla lauded the women’s team for their commanding performance and expressed strong confidence in their medal prospects at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, affirming that the squad is well-prepared to sustain their winning momentum.
