BCCI Secretary Addresses Controversy Surrounding Uma Chetry's Welcome

Clarification on Uma Chetry's Return

Guwahati, Nov 9: On Saturday, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia clarified the misunderstandings regarding the welcome of Assam cricketer Uma Chetry, who was part of India's victorious women's World Cup team. He attributed the confusion about the players' return to a congested schedule.

Saikia elaborated that following India's remarkable ICC Women's World Cup victory on November 2, the players and their support staff were expected to return home within two days. However, unexpected meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu disrupted their travel plans.

“Even Uma was uncertain about her travel schedule, which was only confirmed after the meeting with the President on November 6,” Saikia informed reporters in Guwahati.

He emphasized that it was unjust to assign blame for the confusion, as the BCCI made last-minute decisions regarding the players' travel.

In light of the state's mourning for singer Zubeen Garg, Saikia remarked that holding grand celebrations would have been inappropriate.

“When I was re-elected as BCCI secretary on September 28, I urged everyone to refrain from celebrations. We were not in a celebratory mood,” he stated.

Saikia mentioned that representatives from the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) were present at the airport to welcome Uma, including ACA apex council member Mukuta Nanda Bhattacharjya, APL governing council chairperson Rajdeep Oja, and ACA CEO Pritam Mahanta.

“The association's primary responsibility is not to gather crowds for celebrations but to organize tournaments and enhance infrastructure for players, which they are doing effectively,” he added, noting that many players were currently engaged in competitions like the Ranji Trophy.

He urged the public not to politicize Uma Chetry’s achievements, stating, “She is a young talent who has brought us pride. Please do not involve her in politics for personal agendas.”

Saikia also announced that Uma, along with her parents and coaches, would be honored at the ACA Stadium on Sunday. “The ACA has consistently supported emerging talents like Uma and will continue to do so,” he affirmed.

He congratulated the Indian women's team for their historic World Cup victory under the leadership of captain Harmanpreet Kaur and coach Amol Muzumdar, highlighting that the win was a result of years of strategic planning and reforms initiated by former BCCI Secretary Jay Shah.

“It was during Jay Shah's tenure that pay equality was established and the Women's Premier League was introduced. These initiatives have revolutionized women's cricket in India,” Saikia remarked.

He pointed out that the rise in domestic tournaments and the equal pay structure have fostered a more professional environment for female cricketers, adding, “Other cricket boards are now following India's lead.”

Regarding the Asia Cup trophy situation, Saikia mentioned that the issue is being addressed amicably.

“The entire nation is eagerly awaiting the Asia Cup trophy that India secured in August in Dubai. Although the trophy has not yet arrived, discussions are ongoing,” he stated.

Saikia revealed that he had a separate discussion with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi during a recent ICC meeting, in the presence of an ICC official.

“It was a constructive step towards resolving the matter. Both parties interacted positively, and I am optimistic that the issue will be resolved soon,” he concluded.