India’s women’s cricket team cemented their dominance in the continental game on Sunday, securing a record-extending eighth Women's Asia Cup title. The squad delivered a commanding performance in the final held in Dubai, comfortably defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs to claim the trophy.
Despite the on-field success, the post-match proceedings became a significant talking point. The Indian players opted not to receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief
BCCI clarifies stance on trophy presentation
Following the event, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) moved to address the controversy, confirming that the decision was a pre-planned administrative stance rather than a spontaneous reaction by the players. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia explained that the board had communicated its position to the tournament organizers well before the ceremony took place.
Saikia emphasized that the board had formally expressed its disapproval of the planned prize distribution format. According to the BCCI, they had informed the ACC chairman that if the ceremony proceeded under the proposed structure, the Indian team would not participate in that specific presentation. The board maintained that the decision was a unified one, reflecting established BCCI policies rather than any internal disagreement between the players and the administration.
Kapil Dev responds to the incident
The incident sparked widespread discussion across the cricketing world, drawing reactions from former legends of the game. When asked for his perspective on the team's decision to bypass the trophy presentation ceremony, former India captain Kapil Dev offered a brief, lighthearted response, suggesting that the focus should remain on the sport itself by stating, "Tell all of them to play golf."
While the trophy collection was deferred, the victory itself remains a landmark achievement for the Indian women's side. The team’s dominant 72-run win over Sri Lanka in the final ensures they remain the most successful team in the history of the tournament, further solidifying their status as the premier force in Asian women's cricket.
