IND vs PAK, Asia Cup Controversy: BCCI And ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Hold Talks To Settle Trophy Dispute

BCCI and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has begun working towards a solution for the Asia Cup 2025 controversy. Team India won the competition after defeating Pakistan in the final, but were not handed the trophy. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, had refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, given the IND vs PAK tensions.

The issue was discussed at the ICC meeting in Dubai this week. Naqvi, who heads both PCB and ACC attended the meeting and agreed to find a plausible solution for the trophy dispute.

Issue could be sorted at the earliest

India and Pakistan have managed to "break the ice" revealed BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told PTI on the sidelines of an ICC gathering in Dubai.

"I was a part of both the informal and formal meeting of the ICC. PCB chairperson Mohsin Naqvi was also present. During the course of a formal meeting, it was not on agenda but ICC facilitated a meeting between myself and the PCB chief separately in the presence of a senior ICC office-bearer and another senior official," Saikia told PTI on Saturday.

"It was really good to start the process of negotiation. Both sides cordially participated in the meeting which took place on the sidelines of the ICC board meet," he added, assuring that a solution will be worked out soon.

While Saikia didn't wish to name any ICC official, it is reliably learnt that deputy chairman Imran Khawaja and CEO Sanjog Gupta initiated the discussions between the two cricket boards.

"Definitely, in coming times, if things go in a positive way, the issue will be sorted at the earliest," Saikia sounded positive.

The trophy has been lying at the ACC headquarters in Dubai with the staff there instructed by Naqvi to not move it without his permission. Naqvi, who is also the interior minister of Pakistan, has insisted that the Indians will have to accept the top prize from him.

While there was speculation that a dispute resolution committee will be formed by the ICC to handle the matter, the BCCI secretary categorically denied any such move by the world body.

"Although one of the senior persons from ICC is involved in the process of negotiation, there is no requirement of any such thing (a committee) at this stage. The issue will be resolved before any such drastic step is taken by the ICC," Saikia assured.

(With PTI inputs)