BCCI Had Alternative Trophy Plan For India Women, But ACC Rejected The Proposed Arrangement

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had sought a solution from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) over the Women's Asia Cup 2026 trophy presentation, but the continental body did not agree to alter the proposed arrangement, according to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. The dispute centred on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi's potential involvement in handing over the trophy to the Indian women's team. India had informed the ACC that its players would not attend the trophy presentation ceremony if Naqvi presented the trophy, according to Saikia. The BCCI had communicated its position to the Asian cricket body ahead of the final and sought a change to the presentation arrangements.

The issue was linked to the manner in which the trophy had been presented following the men's cricket team's earlier Asia Cup campaign. Saikia said the BCCI had communicated directly with the ACC and that he had personally spoken to the ACC chairman about India's position. "We communicated with ACC and yesterday I personally informed the ACC chairman that we won't be part of the presentation ceremony if it is done in the same manner as done in case of the men's cricket team," Saikia said. He added that the ACC did not agree to change its position. The disagreement follows tensions surrounding the men's Asia Cup trophy presentation, in which the Indian team had objected to receiving the trophy from Naqvi, who also serves as a senior political figure in Pakistan.

The dispute subsequently became a wider issue between the cricket boards and the ACC, with the presentation arrangements attracting significant attention beyond the field. According to Saikia, the BCCI had no alternative after the ACC declined to modify the proposed ceremony. "They did not want to change their position so we had no option," he said, explaining why India communicated that its players would stay away from the presentation if Naqvi was involved in handing over the trophy. The BCCI's position was therefore made clear to the continental governing body before the ceremony. The issue adds another layer to the politically sensitive cricketing relationship between India and Pakistan.

Also Read: BCCI Begins South Africa Talks After Gambhir-Gill Demand Crucial ODI Preparation Series

While the two countries continue to face restrictions on bilateral cricket, they meet in major multinational tournaments organised under bodies such as the ACC and the International Cricket Council. Such encounters have frequently attracted attention because of the broader political tensions between the neighbouring countries. The trophy presentation dispute also highlights the challenges faced by cricket administrators when sporting events intersect with diplomatic sensitivities. The ACC is responsible for administering major cricket competitions in the region, while national boards such as the BCCI and PCB represent their respective teams. Decisions involving officials from either country can therefore become particularly sensitive when India and Pakistan participate in the same tournament.

Saikia's comments indicate that the BCCI wanted the presentation arrangement changed before the Women's Asia Cup ceremony but was unable to secure an agreement from the ACC. India's proposed response was not to participate in the ceremony if the arrangement remained unchanged. The development follows the earlier controversy involving the men's team and demonstrates that the disagreement over presentation protocols has extended into the women's tournament as well. With the ACC maintaining its position, the focus now remains on how the trophy ceremony and related protocol issues are handled. The BCCI has made clear that it does not want its players participating in a presentation involving Naqvi, while the ACC has so far declined to make the requested change. The dispute underscores how administrative and political sensitivities can influence proceedings around major India-Pakistan cricket encounters.

Also Read: BCB Chief Tamim Iqbal Confirms Active Talks With BCCI To Revive Stalled Bilateral Series