ICC Forms Tribunal to Resolve Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Dispute Between BCCI and PCB

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has established a tribunal to resolve the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 trophy controversy following a formal protest from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at the ICC Board meetings in Dubai. According to sources cited by India Today, the issue centers on the missing trophy that India won after defeating Pakistan in the final on September 28.

Despite India’s dominant seven-wicket victory, the trophy remains at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) headquarters in Dubai, reportedly under the instructions of Mohsin Naqvi-ACC President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman. Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister, has pledged to help resolve the matter amid growing pressure from both cricket boards.

BCCI Demands Immediate Handover of Trophy

Devajit Saikia, the BCCI Secretary who represented India at the ICC meeting, reiterated that the Asia Cup trophy must be handed over to the Indian team immediately. Several ICC directors supported his stance, warning that the ongoing impasse could hurt the credibility of cricket governance.

Sources revealed that the ICC committee was formed to ensure a “mutually respectful resolution” between the two sides. “The ICC has urged both India and Pakistan to settle the issue amicably,” said an official familiar with the meeting. “Both nations are vital to world cricket, and a symbolic dispute like this should not overshadow the spirit of the game.”

ICC Appoints Oman’s Pankaj Khimji as Committee Chair

The ICC Board has appointed Pankaj Khimji, Chairman of the Oman Cricket Board, to lead the tribunal. Known for his neutral stance and friendly ties with both the PCB and BCCI, Khimji has previously helped mediate sensitive cricket-related disputes in the region, according to Telecom Asia Sport.

The controversy began when the Indian men’s cricket team refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi during the post-match ceremony. Naqvi, who was scheduled to present the award as ACC President, reportedly withdrew the trophy after Suryakumar Yadav declined to receive it. This led to confusion and a diplomatic standoff between the two boards.

Communication Breakdown Between BCCI and ACC

Roughly ten days before the ICC meetings, the BCCI had sent a formal letter to Naqvi requesting that the trophy be presented to the Indian team. However, the letter reportedly went unanswered. Naqvi later proposed to hold a special ceremony in Dubai on November 10 to hand over the trophy, but the BCCI rejected the offer, opting instead to escalate the matter to the ICC.

During the ICC sessions, officials emphasized the need for maintaining professionalism and harmony between the two major cricketing nations. Saikia reportedly made it clear that India would not accept the trophy directly from Naqvi, stating that the team would have done so immediately after the final if it had been willing.

ICC Steps In to Restore Normalcy

With the ICC now directly involved, efforts are underway to ensure that Team India receives the Asia Cup 2025 trophy through official channels. The committee’s decision is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, with both cricket boards under pressure to resolve the dispute before the next international tournament window.