Team India’s decision to not accept the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi has drawn attention. Now, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has explained the board’s position. He said public sentiment changed after the Pahalgam attack. Moreover, he highlighted the country’s policy against bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan.
BCCI Cites Changed Situation After Pahalgam Attack
Speaking to news agency IANS, Devajit Saikia called the Asia Cup trophy a controversial matter. He said the men’s team had also won the Asia Cup around one and a half years ago. However, the situation changed after the April 2025 Pahalgam incident.
Furthermore, Saikia recalled the moment from September 28, 2025, at Dubai International Stadium. India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the final match. Later, the presentation ceremony faced a delay of more than one hour. After that, Mohsin Naqvi left the ground with the Asia Cup trophy. Many people called him a “trophy thief” after the incident.
Watch: On Indian women’s cricket team did not accept the Women’s Asia Cup trophy from ACC Chair Mohsin Naqvi, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia says, “Trophy is a controversial thing in the Asia Cup, Our men’s team won the Asia Cup a year and a half ago. And our whole situation,… pic.twitter.com/2p5Q6bqS4L
— IANS (@ians_india) September 13, 2026
BCCI Says Team Followed National Sentiment
Saikia explained why Indian players avoided taking the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi. He said relations with Pakistan had already remained difficult. According to him, ties became worse after April 2025.
He added that India’s operation against the country was still continuing. Saikia said India could not accept a trophy from a major Pakistani political figure working against India.
Additionally, BCCI clarified that the men’s team also refused the trophy from Naqvi during the Asia Cup. This time, the women’s team followed the same approach. They decided together not to receive the trophy from him.
Focus Remains On Future Challenges
Saikia stated that the trophy itself does not matter for the board or players. Instead, BCCI and the team are focusing on upcoming challenges, including the 2028 T20 World Cup.
He said India’s planning revolves around winning the 2028 T20 World Cup. According to him, holding a trophy is secondary. The world already knows about India’s strong performance and one-sided victories.
Meanwhile, India women remained unbeaten throughout the Asia Cup tournament. The team defeated Sri Lanka convincingly in the final. Earlier, India became Asian champions in 2022, while Sri Lanka won the 2024 final. Now, India has reclaimed the Asia title in 2026.
