The Board of Control for Cricket in India has acknowledged that a senior representative from the International Cricket Council is mediating conversations between the BCCI and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi to resolve the ongoing Asia Cup trophy standoff. The controversy began when the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, did not accept the trophy after defeating Pakistan in the final, declining to receive it directly from Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council.
Following the incident, the trophy was reportedly secured inside the ACC headquarters, under Naqvi’s direction, with strict instructions that it must remain there until he personally presented it. The matter escalated into a diplomatic and administrative tussle, prompting intervention during the ICC’s high-level discussions.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that talks with Naqvi took place during the ICC meeting and expressed confidence that the disagreement would be resolved soon. He also dismissed speculation that an ICC committee would be formed to arbitrate the issue, stressing that current negotiations should be sufficient to close the matter peacefully. He reiterated that the trophy will be handed over to India shortly without requiring any drastic measures from cricket’s governing body.
The involvement of ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja and CEO Sanjog Gupta has helped bring both boards back to productive dialogue, with officials optimistic that a conclusion is near. Saikia added that continued positive engagement would ensure that the conflict is settled in the best interest of the sport.
The situation follows a tense Asia Cup campaign where India faced Pakistan three times and emerged victorious in each match. On-field friction was heightened by India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistani players as a tribute to victims of the Pahalgam terror incident. The tournament also saw disciplinary actions, including fines and demerit points for unsporting gestures made by players from both sides.
Despite the heated atmosphere, cricket administrators are now focused on closing the trophy dispute and avoiding a prolonged governance issue between two of the sport’s most influential boards.