Has the ICC Established a Committee to Settle the Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Dispute Between India and Pakistan?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The ICC has established a committee to mediate the Asia Cup trophy dispute.
- Pankaj Khimji will lead the committee due to his neutrality and experience.
- The Indian team declined to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi due to political concerns.
- Discussions during the ICC meeting were amicable, aiming for resolution.
- The ongoing situation underscores the complexities of cricket diplomacy.
Dubai, Nov 7 (NationPress) The Board of the International Cricket Council (ICC) has established a committee aimed at resolving the ongoing disputes between India and Pakistan following the Asia Cup 2025. This decision came after the BCCI raised concerns during a recent meeting, according to reports released on Friday.
With both nations firmly adhering to their positions regarding the Asia Cup, the ICC Board convened on Friday and appointed Pankaj Khimji, chairman of the Oman Cricket Board and known for his close ties with both boards, to lead the committee, as reported by Telecom Asia Sport.
The cricket chief of Pakistan, Mohsin Naqvi, did not present the trophy to India after winning captain Suryakumar Yadav declined to accept it from him. Naqvi, who participated in Friday's meeting, insisted that he alone could present the trophy as the Asia Cricket Council (ACC) President.
India triumphed over Pakistan by seven wickets to clinch the Asia Cup title. However, the Indian team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi due to his role as Pakistan's Interior Minister, which they believe supports terrorism in India. After rejecting the trophy from Naqvi, Suryakumar humorously pretended to hold the trophy, leading to celebrations among his teammates as if they had received it.
Naqvi had proposed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) accept the trophy at an event in Dubai on November 10, but the BCCI declined and raised the issue during the ICC meeting.
Sources indicated that the meeting was conducted in a friendly atmosphere, with the ICC Board emphasizing the importance of both India and Pakistan as crucial members of the cricketing community and urging them to resolve their issues for the greater good.
“The talks at the ICC meeting were devoid of any bitterness, and boards like Australia, England, and South Africa attempted to mediate between the two sides. They also agreed to establish a three-member committee to address the trophy disputes,” the sources disclosed to www.telecomasia.net.
Naqvi was assured that the meeting would proceed amicably, which was pivotal for his participation.
His trip to Dubai was only confirmed shortly before Friday after a significant meeting of the country's upper house, the Senate, was postponed. The Senate was slated to approve a crucial amendment to the nation's Constitution.