The Board of Control for Cricket in India has confirmed that a senior representative from the International Cricket Council is participating in discussions to resolve the ongoing Asia Cup trophy standoff with Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The dispute emerged after India won the Asia Cup title but declined to accept the trophy directly from Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council. As a result, the silverware was locked inside the ACC headquarters and kept from being handed over to the Indian team.
The disagreement quickly escalated into a matter requiring intervention during the ICC meeting. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia revealed that conversations with Naqvi have been positive and the impasse is expected to end soon. He clarified that despite ICC involvement, there is currently no requirement for a special committee to be formed to manage the issue, and the trophy will be delivered to India without further escalation.
Reports indicate that ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja and CEO Sanjog Gupta have taken a mediatory role in facilitating communication between the two boards. Saikia expressed confidence that both parties are moving toward a solution and that the controversy will be settled in the near future.
The trophy row has unfolded against the backdrop of heightened tensions between the teams. India and Pakistan met three times in the Asia Cup, with India winning on each occasion. Friction on the field began when Indian players chose not to shake hands with the Pakistani side following the first match, citing solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. The situation intensified after Pakistani players Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf responded with provocative gestures. Disciplinary action followed, with Suryakumar Yadav fined for his comments and Rauf receiving demerit points and a suspension.
Despite the heated rivalry, officials on both sides now appear focused on resolving the matter smoothly and ensuring the trophy is finally presented to its rightful winners.
