The long-running Asia Cup trophy dispute may finally be heading towards a resolution. Devajit Saikia, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has expressed optimism that talks with Mohsin Naqvi have opened the door to an amicable solution, following constructive discussions facilitated by the ICC in Dubai.
India, despite winning the Asia Cup final against Pakistan on September 28, are yet to receive the trophy. The impasse has remained unresolved for weeks, but recent developments suggest progress behind the scenes.
ICC Meeting in Dubai Helps Restart Dialogue
Speaking to PTI, Saikia revealed that the breakthrough came during the recent International Cricket Council meetings in Dubai. While the Asia Cup controversy was not officially listed on the agenda, the ICC played a mediating role by arranging a separate discussion between the BCCI and the PCB.
“I was part of both the informal and formal ICC meetings, and Mohsin Naqvi was also present,” Saikia said. “Though it wasn’t on the agenda, the ICC facilitated a separate meeting between us in the presence of senior officials. It was really good to start the process of negotiation.”
According to Saikia, the tone of the conversation was positive and practical, with both sides willing to explore solutions rather than escalate the issue further.
‘Both Sides Will Work Out Options’, Says BCCI Secretary
Saikia emphasised that the talks are still at an early stage, but the willingness to negotiate is a significant shift from the earlier deadlock.
“The ice has been broken now,” he said. “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 matter and reach an amicable solution.”
While no timeline has been set, the BCCI’s public optimism suggests confidence that the trophy issue will not drag on indefinitely.
Why India Haven’t Received the Asia Cup Trophy Yet?
The dispute dates back to the Asia Cup final presentation ceremony. India refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi, who is not only the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman but also the PCB chief and Pakistan’s Interior Minister.
The standoff followed heightened cross-border tensions after the terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this year. With emotions running high, India stood firm on their position, leading to a presentation delay of more than 90 minutes. Eventually, the trophy was removed from the stage altogether, leaving India to celebrate their title without officially lifting the silverware.
Tense India–Pakistan Matches Added to the Fallout
The trophy row was the culmination of a turbulent Asia Cup marked by strained relations between the two teams. India and Pakistan faced each other three times — in the group stage, the Super Fours and the final — with each encounter carrying visible tension.
India’s decision not to shake hands with Pakistan players during their first meeting on September 14 set the tone. The matches that followed were ill-tempered, resulting in disciplinary action from the ICC against several players, including Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan.
Those incidents only deepened the atmosphere of mistrust surrounding the tournament’s climax.
What Happens Next in the Asia Cup Trophy Saga?
While the Asia Cup trophy remains with the ACC for now, the latest comments from the BCCI indicate that behind-the-scenes diplomacy is finally underway. The involvement of the ICC as a neutral facilitator could prove crucial in bridging the gap between the two boards.
For Indian fans, the hope is that the matter is resolved quietly and respectfully, allowing the focus to return to cricket rather than controversy. As Saikia suggested, negotiations have begun — and that, after weeks of silence and standoff, may be the most important step yet.
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