After meeting PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi on the fringes of an ICC meeting in Dubai, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the cricket boards of India and Pakistan have been able to “break the ice” on the Asia Cup trophy controversy and will endeavor to find a workable solution in the upcoming days.
In the midst of cross-border tensions between the two countries following their five-wicket victory in the final on September 28 in Dubai, India refused to accept the trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister. This led to the standoff over the Asia Cup trophy.
Chaos ensued shortly after India’s victory, as the post-match ceremony was postponed by 90 minutes. An official took the Asia Cup trophy off the podium in response to India’s position on the matter and carried it off the ground without explanation.
“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 on Saturday.
“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, assuring that a solution will be worked out soon.
Naqvi has told the workers at the ACC offices in Dubai not to transfer the trophy without his consent. The Indians must accept the trophy from him, he has urged.
“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 said.
