The lengthy and politically charged dispute over the Asia Cup trophy, which India refused to accept from PCB and ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi during the September final, appears to be nearing a resolution.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia announced today that he engaged in a “good negotiation” with Mohsin Naqvi on the sidelines of the ICC Board meeting in Dubai, with both sides agreeing to work towards an amicable solution.
ICC Facilitates Negotiation
Saikia confirmed to the Press Trust of India (PTI) that the crucial negotiation was facilitated by the ICC after the BCCI formally raised the issue earlier in the day.
Devajit Saikia (to PTI): “ICC facilitated a meeting between me and the PCB chief separately in the presence of a senior ICC office-bearer and another senior official… It was really good to start the process of negotiation. Both sides cordially participated in the meeting.”
The meeting marked a significant step forward, shifting the atmosphere from potential confrontation to one of collaboration, with Saikia stating, “The ice has been broken now.”
The Path to Resolution
The trophy has remained at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) headquarters in Dubai, as Naqvi reportedly instructed staff not to release it without his explicit approval, maintaining his position that India must accept the prize directly from him.
However, the recent talks suggest both boards are now committed to finding a diplomatic way out.
Devajit Saikia: “Both sides will work out something to solve the issue at the earliest. There will be options from the other side as well and we will also give options on how to settle this issue and come to an amicable solution.”
The development follows weeks of deadlock after India refused to receive the trophy from Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, at the post-match ceremony. While the dispute was not formally on the ICC agenda, its resolution was deemed necessary by ICC members, who expressed concern that withholding the trophy reflected poorly on cricket’s governance.