Dubai, UAE – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed the International Cricket Council's (ICC) involvement in resolving the ongoing deadlock surrounding the Asia Cup 2025 trophy. The dispute, which has persisted since India's victory over Pakistan in the final on September 28, centers on the BCCI's refusal to accept the trophy directly from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and serves as Pakistan's Interior Minister.

The issue was formally raised by the BCCI during the recent ICC Board meetings in Dubai. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who represented India at the meeting, emphasized that the trophy rightfully belongs to the Indian team and should be handed over without further delay. Saikia's firm stance underscored the BCCI's unwillingness to compromise on the matter.

The ICC has stepped in to mediate the dispute, recognizing the importance of maintaining amicable relations between India and Pakistan for the overall health of world cricket. The ICC has proposed forming a special panel to facilitate a resolution. Sources indicate that the ICC Board members agreed that the matter needs to be resolved swiftly. Oman Cricket Board chairman Pankaj Khimji, known for his cordial relationships with both the BCCI and PCB, will head the committee.

The controversy erupted after the Indian team declined to accept the trophy from Naqvi during the post-match presentation ceremony. Suryakumar Yadav and team India decided to stay away, and soon the trophy was swiftly removed from the presentation area. This refusal stemmed from the BCCI's objections to Naqvi presenting the trophy, and the board insisted on a formal handover ceremony that did not involve Naqvi.

Adding to the complexity, the Asia Cup trophy is currently being held at the ACC headquarters in Dubai, with instructions from Naqvi that it not be moved without his express permission. This has further fueled the deadlock, with the BCCI seeking a resolution that bypasses Naqvi's direct involvement.

Despite the tensions, recent developments suggest a potential breakthrough. On the sidelines of the ICC meeting, Saikia and Naqvi engaged in a formal discussion facilitated by the ICC. Saikia described the meeting as a positive first step towards negotiation, noting that "the ice has been broken".

"I was a part of both the informal and formal meetings 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.

While the exact timeline for the trophy handover remains uncertain, both sides are reportedly committed to finding an amicable solution. Saikia indicated that multiple options are being explored to settle the issue at the earliest. The ICC's involvement and the recent discussions between BCCI and PCB officials offer hope that the Asia Cup trophy will soon be in the hands of the Indian team.