Had told before Asia Cup final we won’t take trophy from Naqvi: Devajit Saikia

It is understood that the BCCI had communicated on the eve of the final that if Naqvi were to hand over the medals and trophy, the Indian team wouldn’t be receiving them. The scenes were a repeat of what happened when the men’s team under Suryakumar Yadav had refused to take the trophy from Naqvi. The men’s tournament, held soon after the Pahalgam terrorist attacks and Operation Sindoor, saw Indian players refuse to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts at the toss as well as at the end of the matches. The women’s team has been following a similar policy, which incidentally isn’t followed by India’s hockey teams or athletes in other sports when they compete against Pakistan in global events.

Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi

While the Indian government has spelt out the guidelines as to when and where they will play Pakistan, there is no directive as such about shaking hands or accepting medals handed over by individuals from across the border. However, Saikia said it was an institutional decision to not receive the trophy from Naqvi.

“Our participation in the Asia Cup was in fulfilment of our sporting commitments as a member of the Asian Cricket Council by adhering to the policy in place, and there was never any question of compromising on the spirit of the game or our commitment to international cricket. However, participation in a multinational tournament and the manner in which the trophy is received are two separate matters. Given the circumstances and the sentiments prevailing in the country, the BCCI felt that it would not be appropriate for the team to receive the trophy in the proposed manner. This was a firm institutional decision, reflective of the position we have maintained, and was not directed at the players, the tournament or the sport,” the BCCI secretary said.

Deja vu

Like after the men’s Asia Cup final, the waiting time for the presentation reached 50 minutes after the final delivery. The Sri Lankan players had collected their runners-up medal from Naqvi. However, with Indian players not moving an inch, the presentation ceremony ended abruptly with Naqvi walking away without the trophy. During the men’s event, Naqvi, who also happens to be the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, had taken the trophy with him and it is yet to be handed over to India.

Now, Harmanpreet & Co would return home without the trophy, despite their dominating performance.

“The Indian women’s team has done what matters most, they have won the Asia Cup through their outstanding performance on the field. We as well as the whole nation are immensely proud of the team, and the achievement belongs to the players and to Indian cricket. Now, our focus is on the Asian Games and we do not allow any distraction at this stage from the preparation for the same,” Saikia said.

After the presentation ceremony, India coach Amol Muzumdar explained the team’s decision.

“That stand has been taken by the BCCI and we stand by it. For us, this tournament is over, we are the champions. That’s good enough. It was on the big board that India are the champions of Asia Cup 2026. This tournament is officially over for us. We’re happy that we’re the champions and we look forward to the Asian Games,” Muzumdar said.

India women and men’s team will again face Pakistan at the upcoming Asian Games, where it would be interesting to see what happens if a similar situation comes to pass.