The long-standing Asia Cup trophy issue finally made its way to the ICC Board meeting in Dubai on Friday (November 7), where the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) raised concerns over the delay in handing over the title to India.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President, attended the meeting after initial uncertainty about his participation.
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Despite expectations of a tense exchange, discussions took place in a relatively calm and cordial setting.
According to Cricbuzz, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, representing India at the ICC Board, reminded members that the trophy rightfully belongs to India, who won the Asia Cup final against Pakistan in Dubai on September 28.
He urged that the trophy be handed over without further delay.
READ: Pakistan-India Asia Cup tensions to be discussed at ICC meeting
The matter was reportedly discussed informally among board members, rather than as part of the official agenda.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the matter has been settled with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The discussions took place informally on the sidelines of the ICC meeting in Dubai, bringing the issue close to closure.
“The ice has been broken,” Saikia told Press Trust of India (PTI).
“In both the informal and formal board meetings, I was present, and the PCB chairperson, Mr. Naqvi, was also there. But during the formal meeting, this matter was not on the agenda. However, the ICC facilitated a separate meeting between the PCB chief and myself in the presence of a senior ICC official,” Saikia said.
He further added that a solution will be worked out soon.
“It was a positive step to begin the negotiation process. Both sides participated cordially in the meeting held on the sidelines of the board meeting. I am sure that both sides will work out a solution to this issue at the earliest possible time…”
It is understood that Naqvi had instructed that the silverware remain in the ACC office in Dubai and not be moved without his permission.
While no formal committee has yet been set up to resolve the issue, there was general agreement that it should be addressed promptly.
READ: India set to receive Asia Cup trophy in early November: Reports
For those unfamiliar, the trophy controversy began when the Indian men’s cricket team opted not to receive their winners’ medals and the Asia Cup 2025 trophy following their triumph in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 28.
The closing ceremony, delayed by an hour, saw India’s Kuldeep Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Tilak Varma collect individual awards for their performances, while Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha received the runners-up prize money.
Kuldeep Yadav was later honored as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker, and opener Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Tournament after scoring 314 runs in seven innings at an average of 44.85.
Despite these presentations, the ceremony ended without the Indian team taking possession of the winner’s trophy.
