Can Saikia and Naqvi Resolve the Asia Cup Trophy Standoff?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Both BCCI and PCB are willing to negotiate.
- The Asia Cup trophy standoff remains unresolved.
- Formal and informal meetings took place during the ICC Board meeting.
- Speculation about a committee is unfounded.
- Continued dialogue is essential for cricketing relations.
New Delhi, Nov 8 (NationPress) BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has revealed that he engaged in a constructive dialogue with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi during the ICC Board meeting in Dubai on Friday. Both parties are keen to resolve the ongoing stalemate regarding the Asia Cup trophy as soon as possible.
The current deadlock stems from India's victory over Pakistan, led by Suryakumar Yadav, by five wickets at the Dubai International Stadium, marking India’s ninth Asia Cup title.
However, the post-match festivities took an unexpected turn when the Indian team declined to accept the trophy or medals from Naqvi, who is also the ACC Chairman and serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister.
Saikia stated, “Yesterday, we had two meetings at the ICC. One was formal, and the other was informal. I, along with Mohsin Naqvi, attended both.”
“Since the Asia Cup trophy matter wasn’t on the official agenda, we requested the ICC to arrange a meeting between us, which they did.”
“Our discussion lasted approximately an hour, facilitated by a senior ICC board member. This enabled an important dialogue between India and Pakistan at the ICC's venue.”
“During our cordial discussion, Naqvi and I are exploring possible options to resolve this issue swiftly,” Saikia told IANS.
Prior to the ICC quarterly meeting in Dubai, Saikia had mentioned addressing the delay in the Asia Cup trophy handover, despite a prior letter sent to the continental body. It remains uncertain whether a resolution regarding the trophy will emerge soon.
While there were rumors of forming a committee to address the Asia Cup trophy issue, Saikia refuted these claims, asserting that no such committee exists.
“Those reports are entirely false. There’s no basis for that information. Such speculation has emerged from various sources, and I can assure you it wasn’t discussed in the ICC meeting,” he concluded.