"Ice Broken": India and Pakistan Begin Negotiations to Resolve Asia Cup Trophy Deadlock

KARACHI – Saturday, November 8, 2025 – A significant breakthrough has been reached in the protracted controversy surrounding the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 winner’s trophy, with the cricket boards of India and Pakistan engaging in direct negotiations for the first time since the dispute erupted in late September.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia revealed on Saturday that he held an informal but “cordial” meeting with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on the sidelines of the International Cricket Council (ICC) quarterly meeting in Dubai.

ICC Facilitates Crucial Dialogue

While the trophy row was not part of the official agenda, the ICC stepped in to facilitate a rare face-to-face discussion between the high-ranking officials of the rival boards.

“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 an Indian news agency.

The talks were a necessary first step towards resolution. Saikia confirmed that both sides “cordially participated” and that the “ice has been broken” over the dispute.

Path to an Amicable Solution

The trophy, which has remained at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) headquarters in Dubai since the final, now has a clearer path towards being awarded to the Indian team.

“Both sides will work out something to solve the issue at the earliest,” Saikia stated, adding: “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.”

The BCCI Secretary also dismissed speculation that the ICC would need to form a formal dispute resolution committee, assuring that the issue is expected to be settled between the two boards directly.

The Origin of the Standoff

The trophy saga began on September 29 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium after the Indian men’s team defeated Pakistan in the T20 final.

The Refusal: The Indian team reportedly refused to accept the winner’s trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who serves as both the ACC President and the PCB Chairman, citing his perceived anti-India political stance.
The Ceremony: The closing ceremony, which was delayed for over an hour, proceeded with India’s Kuldeep Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Tilak Varma collecting individual awards from other dignitaries. However, the Indian team as a whole did not receive the winner’s medals or the main silverware, which was reportedly removed from the podium.
PCB Stance: The PCB, through Chairman Naqvi, has reportedly insisted that the trophy must be accepted from him in his capacity as the ACC President, leading to the ongoing deadlock.

The recent meeting represents a significant diplomatic step, raising hopes that the prolonged controversy will soon be concluded.

Author Profile

Khalid Javed

Khalid Javed is known as Khalid Minhas is editor of Daily Olympic.He is a seasoned journalist and worked with different national and international media outlets.