Watch: 'We didn't approve the manner' — Devajit Saikia reveals why India women refused trophy from Mohsin Naqvi

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has spoken about the controversial trophy presentation after India’s Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 triumph. Saikia said the Indian side did not approve of the manner in which the presentation was planned, while making it clear that winning the tournament remained the team’s main priority.

India’s players did not attend the presentation ceremony after their victory in the final and did not collect the trophy from ACC President and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi. Naqvi, who was not visible in the gallery for most of the match, was later seen sitting behind Saikia and BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla towards the end of the game.

“We didn’t approve the manner,” Saikia said while commenting on the controversy. His remarks provide further clarity on why the Indian team stayed away from the trophy presentation. 

Watch the viral video here.

India women refuse Asia Cup Trophy from Mohsin Naqvi — What happened

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led India completed a comfortable 72-run win over Sri Lanka in Dubai on Sunday to lift a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title. However, the Indian players did not collect the trophy from ACC President and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi during the post-match presentation amid tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor.

Naqvi was present at the stadium and was seated alongside BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla and Secretary Devajit Saikia. He later went on stage to present the runners-up cheque to Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, but the Indian team did not appear for the trophy presentation. The decision came against the backdrop of tensions over cross-border terrorism and Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

See also -Watch: Fans chant 'Trophy Chor' after Indian women's team refuses to collect trophy from Mohsin Naqvi in Women's Asia Cup final

Saikia said the BCCI had already communicated its objection to the planned ceremony. Despite the controversy surrounding the presentation, he maintained that it did not take away from India’s achievement of winning the tournament and securing their eighth Asia Cup title.

Devajit Saikia's full statement on why the team rejected the trophy

Before the presentation ceremony began, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Team India remained in a separate huddle, with head coach Amol Muzumdar addressing the players. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia and Vice-President Rajiv Shukla also joined the team, with Saikia congratulating the players on their victory and presenting the ‘Fielder of the Match’ medal to pacer Nandani Sharma.

Speaking to ANI, Saikia explained that the BCCI had already made its position clear to the organisers before the ceremony. “Winning the trophy is one thing, but winning the tournament is what truly matters. The issue regarding the trophy—which created a controversy—did not stem from our side. We had already clarified our stance, referencing the situation we faced last year regarding the Asian Games—a matter known to the entire nation,” he said.

See also -India crush Sri Lanka by 72 runs to win Women's Asia Cup 2026 for record 8th time

Saikia further revealed that the BCCI had informed the organisers that the team would not participate if the presentation went ahead in the planned manner. “We had stated beforehand that we did not approve the manner in which they had planned the prize distribution ceremony. We informed their chairman that if they proceeded with that specific system, we would not participate. Since they did not agree, we chose not to accept the trophy in that manner; we will collect it later,” he added.

Fans react to India Women's Trophy snub — Social media erupts

Fans on social media strongly reacted after the Harmanpreet Kaur-led India did not collect the Women’s Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi during the post-match presentation. The decision quickly became a major talking point after India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs to win the title.

Several Indian fans supported the team’s decision and praised the players for staying focused on their victory. Many also linked the incident to the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan and the backdrop of Operation Sindoor. Here is how the fans reacted on X: 

At the same time, the trophy presentation controversy sparked a wide range of opinions online, with fans sharing posts and videos about the incident. The decision not to accept the trophy from Naqvi soon became one of the biggest talking points from India’s Asia Cup triumph.