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This decision mirrors a similar stance taken by the Indian men's team during their previous Asia Cup campaign. The trophy, which was intended to be presented by Naqvi—who also serves as the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman and Pakistan's interior minister—remains at the ACC office following the players' choice to forgo the formal ceremony.
BCCI Explains Stance Amidst Diplomatic Tensions
BCCI secretary
Saikia stated that the women's team opted to express solidarity with the position established by the men's side last year. He highlighted that the team felt it inappropriate to accept accolades from a figure representing interests they consider contrary to their nation's security. Following the match, the Indian women's team held an informal celebration on the dais, which included the presentation of an in-house best fielder medal to Nandini Sharma, rather than participating in the official ACC presentation.
Clarification on Official Interactions
Despite the team's refusal to accept the trophy from the ACC chairman, footage from the Dubai International Cricket Stadium showed BCCI officials interacting with Naqvi during the match. Broadcast cameras captured Naqvi speaking with both BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla and Saikia in the Royal Box.
Addressing these interactions, Saikia maintained that such meetings were a matter of standard match-day protocol rather than a contradiction of the board's official policy. He explained that as he was seated in the Royal Box for the duration of the match, it was customary to engage with other officials who were present. Saikia reiterated that meeting individuals in a professional capacity during the event does not equate to a change in the board's stance regarding the formal trophy presentation ceremony.
