The prolonged dispute concerning the Asia Cup trophy looks to be nearing a conclusion after Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) resumed direct discussions in Dubai. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has said that the two sides had successfully 'broken the ice' on the issue.
BCCI secretary admits having informal meeting PCB on Asia Cup trophy impasse
He confirmed that they would collaborate in the coming days to find a plausible solution. This development followed a meeting between Saikia and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi on the sidelines of an ICC meeting in Dubai. This marks the first direct conversation between the leadership of the two boards since the controversy over the Asia Cup trophy began.
“I was a part of both the informal and formal meeting 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.
"It was really good to start the process of negotiation. Both sides cordially participated in the meeting which took place on the sidelines of the ICC board meet," he added.
The long-running issue centers on the fact that India is yet to receive the Asia Cup trophy. The controversy erupted after Team India refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi. Following India's title triumph in the eight-team tournament, a significant power tussle broke out between the BCCI and Naqvi, leading to the latter seemingly walking away with the title.
The standoff escalated because Naqvi remained adamant about his position regarding the presentation of the trophy. In response, the BCCI raised the issue directly with the ICC. While it was initially uncertain whether Naqvi would attend the meeting, he ultimately arrived in Dubai at the last minute, allowing for the crucial discussions to take place between him and the BCCI secretary.
The Asia Cup trophy is currently located at the ACC headquarters in Dubai, with reports indicating that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi instructed staff not to move the silverware without his direct permission. His continued stance has been based on his insistence on personally handing over the prize.
The ice has been broken now: Saikia hopeful of quick resolution
“Both sides will work out something to solve the issue at the earliest. The ice has been broken now, so various options will be worked out. 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,” Saikia concluded.