Conscious, institutional decision in prevailing circumstances: Saikia on Asia Cup trophy row
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the Indian women's cricket team's refusal to accept the Asia Cup trophy from the Pakistani ACC chief was an institutional decision. The board cited prevailing national sentiments and security concerns following past terror attacks.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the ongoing intersection of international sports diplomacy and geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia on Monday (September 14, 2026) 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 (September 13) in Dubai but did not accept the trophy from Mr. , continuing a trend started by the men's team during the 2025 Asia Cup following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
"We had taken a conscious decision considering all prevailing aspects, and our position had been communicated to the ACC in advance, that the Indian team would not participate in the trophy presentation under the circumstances," Mr. Saikia told PTI .
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