BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia expressed hope that the men's and women's Asia Cup trophies would eventually return to India from Dubai, even though the board has not set a timeline for their arrival. Both trophies are at the Asian Cricket Council's (ACC) headquarters as India's men's and women's teams declined to accept them when offered by ACC president Mohsin Naqvi.
“We hope the Asia Cup trophies will come one day. I will not give you a timeline, but I can assure you that both trophies will come and land at this BCCI head office at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai,” Saikia said to reporters.
Asia Cup trophy standoff continues after India's presentation snubs
Saikia was optimistic about the trophies returning to Mumbai despite the dispute around their presentation. It was fresh controversy after the Harmanpreet Kaur-led India team boycotted the official presentation ceremony for the Women's T20 Asia Cup win, with Naqvi in attendance.
It was a repeat of what had happened with the men's team last year. The Indian players too had refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who not only heads the Pakistan Cricket Board but also happens to be the country's interior minister.
After the Women's Asia Cup final, Saikia, along with BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, presented the fielding medal to Nandni Sharma. The runners-up check was then presented by Naqvi to Sri Lanka in the official ceremony.
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The Asian Games could see another presentation problem
The trophy row could spill over into the Asian Games. The cricket competition, to be held in Japan, will be played under the aegis of the ACC, and with both the men's and women's teams from India in contention for the gold, there is always the possibility that Naqvi will be there.
But it is unclear how the proceedings will actually go, and if his presence for the medal ceremony will once again cause a controversy.
Saikia's remarks come as Naqvi's current term as ACC president comes close to expiry in April 2027. He will continue to be in charge only if the constituents agree to his re-election.