ICC forms panel after BCCI flags missing Asia Cup trophy dispute

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially raised concerns over the missing Asia Cup 2025 trophy during the International Cricket Council (ICC) Board meetings held in Dubai. Responding to the issue, the ICC has agreed to step in and mediate between the BCCI and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

India had defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the final on September 28 in Dubai, but the winning team is yet to receive the trophy. The silverware reportedly remains at the ACC headquarters in Dubai under Naqvi’s instructions.

According to sources, the ICC has set up a committee to resolve the dispute. “BCCI raised the Asia Cup trophy issue with the ICC. The ICC has asked both India and Pakistan to resolve the matter amicably and stressed that both nations are vital to world cricket,” a source said.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, representing India at the ICC meeting, asserted that the trophy rightfully belongs to the Indian team and should be handed over without delay. Several ICC directors also expressed concern that withholding a trophy from the champions damages cricket’s image and urged for an early resolution.

Also Read: Asia Cup Trophy row: BCCI warns Mohsin Naqvi, threatens to escalate to ICC

The ICC Board appointed Oman Cricket Board chairman Pankaj Khimji—who shares good relations with both the BCCI and PCB—to head the mediation panel. Khimji has previously played a role in settling cricket-related matters between the two boards.

The controversy originated after the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi during the post-match presentation. Naqvi, also Pakistan’s Interior Minister, was scheduled to present it as ACC President. When Suryakumar Yadav declined to accept it, the trophy was removed from the stage, triggering confusion and tension between the boards.

Prior to the ICC meeting, the BCCI had written to Naqvi requesting that the trophy be handed over to the Indian team, but received no reply. Naqvi later proposed a separate presentation ceremony in Dubai on November 10, which the BCCI rejected, opting instead to raise the matter with the ICC.

Sources said the ICC discussions remained cordial, with members emphasising the need for professionalism and better relations between India and Pakistan. Saikia reiterated that India would not accept the trophy directly from Naqvi, noting that had the team been willing, it would have accepted it immediately after the final.