AI Generated Summary
- According to media reports, the women’s team’s decision was in solidarity with the position earlier adopted by the men’s side and was in line with the stand of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
- The episode marked a striking repeat of the controversy surrounding the men’s Asia Cup, extending the BCCI’s position over receiving trophies from the ACC chairman to the women’s continental tournament as well.
- India’s women cricketers declined to receive the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi after sealing a commanding 72-run victory over defending champions Sri Lanka in the final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
India’s women cricketers declined to receive the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi after sealing a commanding 72-run victory over defending champions Sri Lanka in the final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
The decision echoed the stance taken by the Indian men’s team following its Asia Cup triumph last year, when the players had similarly refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi.
India had little trouble establishing its supremacy on the field, comfortably overcoming Sri Lanka to claim the continental title. However, attention shifted to the presentation ceremony when the newly crowned champions did not step forward to collect the trophy from the ACC chairman.
According to media reports, the women’s team’s decision was in solidarity with the position earlier adopted by the men’s side and was in line with the stand of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
India head coach Amol Muzumdar confirmed after the match that the players were following the BCCI’s position on the matter.
“That stand has been taken by the BCCI and we stand by it. For us, this tournament is over, we are the champions. That’s good enough,” Muzumdar was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Before the formal presentation began, the Indian players were seen gathered in a huddle as Muzumdar addressed the squad. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and vice-president Rajiv Shukla were also present and handed the team’s ‘Fielder of the Match’ medal to pacer Nandani Sharma.
The presentation involving Sri Lanka proceeded as scheduled. Captain Chamari Athapaththu received the runners-up cheque from Naqvi before giving her post-match interview. The television broadcast subsequently returned to the studio programme without showing India receiving the winners’ trophy.
Despite the unusual conclusion to the ceremony, India ended the competition as emphatic champions, dethroning Sri Lanka with a comprehensive performance in the title clash.
The episode marked a striking repeat of the controversy surrounding the men’s Asia Cup, extending the BCCI’s position over receiving trophies from the ACC chairman to the women’s continental tournament as well.
