Asia Cup Trophy Dispute Nears Resolution as BCCI Confirms ICC Negotiation Role
Dubai, UAE - The deadlock surrounding the presentation of the Asia Cup trophy to the winning Indian team is expected to be resolved soon, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirming the involvement of the international Cricket Council (ICC) in ongoing negotiations. The dispute arose after Suryakumar Yadav’s Indian side refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi following their victory in the eight-team competition.
Naqvi, who is also pakistan’s Interior Minister, subsequently secured the trophy within the ACC headquarters, instructing officials to prevent its removal. This action followed Naqvi’s reported insistence on personally presenting the trophy, leading to a power struggle with the BCCI.
BCCI secretary Jay shah stated that discussions with Naqvi have been “positive” and a resolution is anticipated shortly. he dismissed rumors of a formal ICC committee being established to address the impasse.
“Although one of the senior persons from ICC is involved in the process of negotiation, there is no requirement for any such thing (a committee) at this stage. the issue will be resolved before any such drastic step is taken by the ICC,” Shah told the Press Trust of india (PTI).
ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja and CEO Sanjog Gupta have reportedly been instrumental in facilitating talks between the BCCI and PCB. shah expressed optimism,stating,”Definitely,in the coming times,if things go in a positive way,the issue will be sorted at the earliest.”
The trophy controversy occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions during the Asia Cup, marked by three encounters between India and Pakistan – all won by India. The tournament saw instances of on-field friction, beginning with the Indian team’s decision not to shake hands with Pakistani players in solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Subsequent gestures by Pakistani players Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf were deemed offensive, leading to fines for both teams’ players; Suryakumar Yadav was fined 30% of his match fees, and Haris Rauf faced a two-match suspension after accumulating four demerit points.