Should We Ignore the Controversy? BCCI Secy Saikia on Ind-Pak Asia Cup Issue
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Synopsis
In the wake of the India-Pakistan Asia Cup match controversy, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia urges fans to focus on celebrating victories rather than external distractions. With India securing a significant win, he emphasizes the importance of national pride.
Key Takeaways
- Celebrate victories rather than controversies.
- BCCI emphasizes national pride and unity.
- India's win ensures their place in the Super Four.
New Delhi, Sep 16 (NationPress) The Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Devajit Saikia, addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup, stating that we should focus on enjoying the victory rather than being distracted by external opinions. Sunday's face-off between India and Pakistan remains a hot topic due to the aftermath of the match. Following their win, Suryakumar Yadav and the Indian team chose not to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, a move that did not please the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chair Mohsin Naqvi.
Saikia emphasized the importance of celebrating India's impressive victory instead of dwelling on what “third parties” or “hostile nations” might say. "India triumphed decisively. It was a commendable win for the Indian side. Let us relish that rather than get caught up in the noise from external sources. We should take pride in our players’ performance and hope that the winning streak continues until the final match of this tournament," Saikia expressed in an interview with IANS regarding the controversy post the India-Pakistan Asia Cup match in Dubai.
India secured a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan on Sunday, marking their second win in the tournament and ensuring their progression to the Super Four.
After the match, the Indian players returned to the dressing room while the Pakistani team waited for a handshake. Team India opted to skip this gesture, with captain Suryakumar Yadav later clarifying that the decision was mutually agreed upon by the BCCI and the Indian government.
“Our government and BCCI were in sync today. We made the decision collectively. Our focus was solely on the game. We delivered a strong response,” Yadav stated during the post-match press conference.
India is set to face Oman in their final Group A match of the Asia Cup on September 19 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Point of View
I believe that while sports rivalries can spark debates, our focus should remain on the game and the spirit it embodies. The BCCI's stance encourages unity among fans and promotes a positive narrative around our players' achievements. Let’s celebrate our victories and support our athletes wholeheartedly.
NationPress
10/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the controversy after the Ind-Pak match?
The controversy arose when the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, opted not to shake hands with the Pakistani players post-match, which was not well received by the PCB and ACC.
What did BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia say about the issue?
Saikia urged fans to focus on enjoying India's victory rather than getting distracted by outside opinions, highlighting the importance of national pride.
How did India perform in the Asia Cup match against Pakistan?
India secured a decisive seven-wicket victory over Pakistan, marking their second win in the tournament and ensuring a spot in the Super Four.
