‘Can’t Accept Trophy From A Nation Waging War Against India’: BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia On Snubbing Mohsin Naqvi | Cricket News

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia says that decision to not receive Asia Cup Trophy wasn’t impulsive and they won’t accept the silverware from a representative of a nation that is waging war against India. In a dramatic, unprecedented turn of events in Dubai on Sunday night, Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi walked away with Asia Cup trophy and players medals after the champion Indian team’s refusal to receive the awards from him.

“It is not possible for us to accept an award from someone who represents a country waging war against India,” Saikia told CNN News18 during an exclusive chat. “This was not impulsive – it was a conscious and unanimous decision by the team.”

India defeated Pakistan to win a record-extending 9th Asia Cup title in a dramatic last-over finish at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Saikia further exposed how Naqvi, who is also the interior minister of Pakistan and chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board, breached the ACC protocol by leaving the venue with the trophy and medals meant for the victorious Indian cricket team.

“After the presentation, he walked away with the trophy and even the medals meant for our players. That is against sporting spirit and ACC protocol,” Saikia said.

“We will lodge a strong protest with the ACC and at the ICC conference in November. Such behavior cannot be allowed to set a precedent,” he added.

Recalling Indian government’s military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) after the dastardly Pahalgam terrorist attack, Saikia termed Suryakumar Yadav-led squad’s triumph as “Operation Killa”.

“Our armed forces delivered Operation Sindoor on the border; our boys have delivered Operation Killa in Dubai. The message is the same – India wins,” Saikia said.