Why Was BCCI Secretary Seen With Mohsin Naqvi During Women's Asia Cup Final? Top Official Explains

Harmonizing Victory and Principle: India's Women Seal Record 8th Asia Cup, Stand in Solidarity

Namaste, fellow cricket lovers. As one who has long found the rhythm of sport akin to the cadence of a raga, I see a beautiful harmony here—triumph on the field, principle in the stands. Let me share this melody with you.

After India's women clinching the Women's Asia Cup for a record 8th time—beating Sri Lanka by 72 runs at Dubai—the question on everyone's lips was why BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia was spotted with Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan's Interior Minister. The answer, as ever, lies in the deeper rhythm of relationships.

The Trophy Boycott: A Continuation, Not a Contradiction

The Indian women's team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, did not turn to receive the trophy or cheque from Naqvi after their triumph. This mirrored the men's team's decision post-2025 Asia Cup win over Pakistan.

Saikia explained the context with the patience of one recounting a familiar tale: "Our overall situation changed after the Pahalgam incident in April 2025. Citizens called on us to sever ties with the neighbouring nation." Yet he clarified the BCCI's balanced stance—they still commit to all multination tournaments per government policy, but personal meetings don't equate official endorsement.

On the Meeting That Sparked Speculation

Addressing the sighting, Saikia remained calm and matter-of-fact. He'd been stationed in the Royal Box from toss to final. "Anyone who came, met me—someone sat next to me, then Shukla, then the person you mentioned alongside Deputy Chairman Khalid Sahib. That's just normal tradition." He emphasized that diplomatic courtesies don't negate the team's principled stand.

A Season of Glory

Beyond the politics, the performances deserve our applause. Saikia noted India won every match convincingly—no close contests this time, having beaten Pakistan once and Sri Lanka in the final. This adds to a remarkable run: the ODI World Cup win in November, the Lord's Test victory over England, and now the Asia Cup. The Asian Games gold and 2028 T20 WC preparations loom ahead.

As I often reflect, the discipline we see in great batsmen resembles the dedication of a musician mastering their instrument. India's women, like the men, play with both skill and conscience.

Jai Hind. 🏏

Source: NDTV Sports