Mohsin Naqvi's Reaction To Women's Asia Cup Trophy Snub By India Revealed By BCCI

A Dissonant Note in a Victorious Symphony

Just as a well-composed raga can carry a single wrong note that disrupts the entire performance, so too did the women's team's Asia Cup triumph carry an unexpected discord this Sunday in Dubai.

India's women defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final, lifting the trophy with grace. Yet the celebration was interrupted when the team declined to accept the award from Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi, continuing a protest first begun by the men's team in the 2025 Asia Cup. This stance traces back to last year's Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla clarified the matter on Monday, describing the refusal as a "collective decision" of the Board. He noted that Naqvi himself "did not raise any objection," presenting the trophy to whomever he could before departing. "We informed our team accordingly, and he presented it to whoever he had to and then left," Shukla told reporters at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

His words echoed BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia's earlier statement, who explained that a "conscious decision" was made and communicated to the ACC in advance. Addressing earlier images of Saikia conversing with Naqvi during the final, Shukla called it a mere "routine interaction" — professionals present at a match engaging as expected — and urged against excessive criticism.

As the maestro of the moment, Shukla turned toward a brighter melody, congratulating the champions and expressing full confidence in the team ahead of the Asian Games in Japan. "Our women have once again made us proud and we will continue to win in the future," he said.

A victory secured, a note of protest held — the team now seeks harmony once more on the road to Japan.

Source: NDTV Sports