BCCI Raises Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Dispute; ICC Forms Panel Led by Oman’s Pankaj Khimji

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has stepped in to mediate a growing dispute between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) regarding the Asia Cup 2025 trophy, which remains undelivered to Team India weeks after their title triumph.

According to sources, the ICC has constituted a special committee, chaired by Oman Cricket Board President Pankaj Khimji, to resolve the impasse between the BCCI and ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The decision was taken during the ICC Board meetings held in Dubai earlier this week.

India had defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 final on September 28 in Dubai, but the championship trophy is still in the custody of the ACC’s Dubai office, reportedly under Naqvi’s instructions. The issue escalated after the Indian team declined to accept the trophy from Naqvi during the post-match presentation ceremony, citing political sensitivities and procedural disagreements.

BCCI Raises Formal Complaint at ICC Meeting

Representing India at the ICC meeting, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia formally raised the issue, insisting that the trophy be handed over immediately. “The Asia Cup belongs to the Indian team as the rightful champions, and withholding it damages the credibility of the sport,” Saikia reportedly told the ICC board.

Several ICC directors supported the BCCI’s stance, noting that the delay reflects poorly on cricket’s governance standards. The ICC, while maintaining a neutral position, urged both boards to resolve the matter amicably, emphasizing that India and Pakistan remain vital pillars of international cricket.

Pankaj Khimji to Lead Mediation Efforts

In an attempt to ensure an impartial and constructive resolution, the ICC appointed Pankaj Khimji, known for his diplomatic rapport with both cricket boards, as the head of the mediation committee. Khimji has previously played a role in facilitating cricketing cooperation between India and Pakistan through neutral venues and bilateral discussions.

According to sources, Khimji’s mandate is to coordinate communication between the BCCI, PCB, and ACC, and oversee the formal handover of the trophy to the Indian team “in a manner that respects both cricketing protocol and diplomatic sensitivities.”

Background of the Controversy

The issue began during the presentation ceremony after India’s victory, when Suryakumar Yadav, representing the Indian team, declined to receive the trophy from Naqvi. The moment created visible confusion, and the trophy was subsequently withdrawn from the stage.

Following the incident, the BCCI sent an official letter to Naqvi requesting the handover of the trophy, but received no response. Naqvi later proposed a separate handover ceremony on November 10 in Dubai, which the BCCI refused, escalating the matter to the ICC’s attention.

ICC Urges Professionalism and Resolution

While the meeting in Dubai was reportedly cordial, ICC board members underscored the importance of professionalism and mutual respect between cricketing bodies. Saikia made it clear that India would not accept the trophy directly from Naqvi, reiterating that the handover should follow established international cricketing procedures.

With the ICC now mediating, both sides are expected to engage in discussions over the coming days to ensure that the Asia Cup 2025 trophy is officially presented to Team India, closing what has become an unusual and highly publicized chapter in Asian cricket diplomacy.