KEY POINTS
- The row started after India refused to accept the winner’s trophy after their victory over Pakistan.
- BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirms informal talks with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Dubai.
- Both boards are committed to finding a peaceful and timely resolution soon.
ISLAMABAD: In the ongoing saga over the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asserted its position as negotiations with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) continue to resolve the deadlock.
The dispute arose after the Indian men’s cricket team chose not to collect their winners’ medals and the tournament trophy following their victory over Pakistan in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 29.
The closing ceremony of the match was delayed by over an hour, and while individual awards were handed out, including recognition for India’s Kuldeep Yadav and Abhishek Sharma, the Indian team’s refusal to accept the winner’s trophy left the matter unresolved.
On Saturday, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia revealed that discussions had begun between the BCCI and PCB to address the situation. He shared details of an informal meeting with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, which took place during the ICC’s quarterly meeting in Dubai.
“I was a part of both the informal and formal meetings of the ICC. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was present during these discussions. Although the trophy dispute was not on the official agenda, the ICC facilitated a separate meeting between myself and Mr. Naqvi, with the presence of senior ICC officials,” Saikia stated in an interview with an Indian news agency.
The BCCI Secretary further emphasized the positive nature of the initial talks, noting that both cricket boards showed a willingness to engage in dialogue and find a solution to the deadlock.
“It was really good to start the process of negotiation. Both sides cordially participated in the meeting, and now the ice has been broken,” he continued.
“We are now looking at various options to resolve the issue quickly, and both sides will propose solutions to reach an amicable agreement.”
While the controversy began over India’s refusal to accept the winner’s trophy, Saikia confirmed that the BCCI and PCB were working together to address the matter constructively.
“We understand that both boards want to come to a resolution. We will work together to find the best way forward,” he added.
The ongoing negotiations have raised concerns over the broader implications for the relationship between the two cricketing giants, with the trophy dispute adding another layer to an already complex sporting and diplomatic context.
