‘BCCI’s jurisdiction’: MEA reacts after Team India refuses Asia Cup trophy from PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified on Tuesday that the decision by the Indian women's cricket team to decline to accept the Women's Asia Cup 2026 trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi falls strictly under the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) jurisdiction.

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led squad did not assemble on stage during the post-match presentation ceremony after winning the Women’s Asia Cup final on Sunday. The team refused to receive the trophy from Naqvi amidst ongoing tensions over cross-border terrorism and in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s military action against Pakistan-sponsored militancy.

The squad's stance mirrors an action taken by India’s men’s team approximately a year ago following their Men’s Asia Cup victory in September last year.

Addressing a bi-weekly press briefing in the capital on Tuesday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was asked if the issue came under the ministry's purview.

“The matter falls under the BCCI’s purview and comes within its jurisdiction,” Jaiswal said.

During the presentation ceremony, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu accepted the runners-up award from Naqvi, but the Indian players remained absent from the podium. Broadcast coverage returned to the studio following Sri Lanka's presentation, with no footage broadcast of the Indian team receiving or celebrating with the trophy.

Prior to the ceremony, the Indian squad gathered in a team huddle where head coach Amol Muzumdar addressed the players. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and vice-president Rajiv Shukla subsequently presented the 'Fielder of the Match' medal to fast bowler Nandani Sharma, who took two catches during the final, with Saikia addressing and congratulating the squad on their performance.

India completed an unbeaten campaign throughout the tournament, delivering a commanding display in the final by scoring 183-5 before restricting Sri Lanka to 111 to secure their eighth Asia Cup title.

ANI