New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Monday that the Indian women’s cricket team's decision to decline the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi was a "conscious, institutional" stance taken in light of national sentiments and prevailing circumstances.

India secured a 72-run victory over Sri Lanka in Sunday’s final in Dubai. However, the squad refrained from receiving the trophy from Naqvi, who is Pakistani—a move echoing the protocol set by the Indian men’s team during the 2025 Asia Cup following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

"We had taken a conscious decision considering all prevailing aspects, and our position had been communicated to the ACC in advance, that the Indian team would not participate in the trophy presentation under the circumstances," BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia told PTI.

"Given the circumstances and the sentiments prevailing in the country, the BCCI felt that it would not be appropriate for the team to receive the trophy in the proposed manner. This was a firm institutional decision, reflective of the position we have maintained, and was not directed at the players, the tournament or the sport," Saikia added.

Tensions between the two nations had escalated following last April's attack, culminating in a brief military standoff in May. Addressing ongoing discussions regarding a total sporting boycott against Pakistan, Saikia reiterated that India remains committed to multi-nation events in accordance with central government guidelines.

"Our participation in the Asia Cup was in fulfilment of our sporting commitments as a member of the ACC by adhering to the policy in place, and there was never any question of compromising on the spirit of the game or our commitment to international cricket. However, participation in a multinational tournament and the manner in which the trophy is received are two separate matters," stated Saikia, who also serves as the Advocate General of Assam.

Despite skipping the formal trophy handover, the BCCI secretary commended Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad for their dominance throughout the tournament.

"The Indian women's team has done what matters most, they have won the Asia Cup through their outstanding performance on the field. We as well as whole nation are immensely proud of the team, and the achievement belongs to the players and to Indian cricket."

The team will next head to Japan to defend the Asian Games gold medal won in Hangzhou.

"Now, our focus is on the Asian Games and we do not allow any distraction at this stage from the preparation for the same," Saikia signed off. (PTI)