The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has explained their stance on the Women’s Asia Cup trophy row. Despite winning the tournament by defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final, the Indian women’s team refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi. After controversy erupted once again, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia took it upon himself to explain India’s decision on Sunday, September 13.

“What happened today after the final is nothing else but a normal thing, keeping in mind the interest of our country and the respect of all our people. A large section of the people do not want India to play with one particular hostile country, but in spite of that, we are always playing. Our only concern is that we cannot receive a trophy from some persons who are not acceptable to us at this stage,” Saikia told Sports Today right after the conclusion of the final.