Dubai: The long-standing tension between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the Asia Cup trophy appears to be easing, with both sides reportedly engaging in constructive discussions. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed to PTI that talks with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on the sidelines of an ICC gathering in Dubai have “broken the ice,” and a mutually agreeable solution is now being explored.
The controversy arose after India, winners of the T20 Asia Cup held in Dubai on September 28, declined to accept the trophy from Naqvi due to his publicly anti-India stance. Since then, the trophy has remained at the ACC headquarters in Dubai under Naqvi’s supervision.
Saikia explained that although the issue was not on the formal ICC meeting agenda, the board facilitated a separate discussion between himself and Naqvi in the presence of senior ICC officials. “Both sides participated cordially, and it was a positive start to resolving the matter,” Saikia said. He added that a range of options is being considered to settle the dispute amicably.
The BCCI secretary also clarified that there are currently no plans for the ICC to form a dispute resolution committee. “The ICC is supporting dialogue but no drastic steps are required at this stage,” he said.
The India-Pakistan rivalry in the Asia Cup was marked by heightened tensions, with the Indian team refusing handshakes throughout the tournament in solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. On-field confrontations led to penalties for both teams due to unsportsmanlike conduct.
In a separate note, Saikia highlighted that the ICC Board of Directors praised the BCCI for successfully hosting the ICC Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, with India defeating South Africa in the final at Navi Mumbai to secure their maiden title. The South African women’s team was also commended for reaching three consecutive finals.
Saikia’s remarks suggest a measured optimism that the Asia Cup trophy dispute could soon be resolved without further escalation, reinforcing the importance of dialogue and sportsmanship in international cricket.
