New Delhi: The long-standing tension over the Asia Cup 2025 trophy took a step toward resolution as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) held an informal discussion with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the dialogue, facilitated on the sidelines of the International Cricket Council (ICC) board meetings in Dubai, helped “break the ice” between the two cricket boards.
The controversy erupted after India defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup final, but the team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, declined to receive the winner’s trophy from Naqvi. In response, the PCB chief reportedly took the trophy back, which remains at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) headquarters in Dubai under strict instructions that it cannot be moved without his consent.
While the matter was not formally listed on the ICC meeting agenda, the discussions were mediated by ICC Deputy Chair Imran Khawaja and CEO Sanjog Gupta. Saikia, who attended both the formal and informal ICC sessions, said, “It was encouraging to initiate the negotiation process. Both sides participated cordially, and this meeting sets the stage for reaching an amicable solution soon.”
The BCCI had initially planned to raise the issue during ICC deliberations in Dubai, but the informal side-meeting allowed both boards to exchange perspectives directly. Saikia emphasized that multiple options will be explored to resolve the trophy impasse, assuring that both parties are committed to a mutually acceptable solution.
“Now that the ice has been broken, various proposals will be discussed by both sides,” Saikia added. “There will be suggestions from the PCB as well as from our side on how to settle this issue smoothly and come to an agreement.”
The informal talks signal a positive development in India-Pakistan cricket relations, offering hope that the Asia Cup 2025 trophy dispute could soon be resolved without further friction.