The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to mediate between India and Pakistan following an unusual stand-off during the Asia Cup trophy ceremony. The ICC Board, which met on Friday, agreed to create a committee to address what officials described as “ticklish matters” between the two boards, particularly the dispute over the presentation of the trophy.
The controversy erupted after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as President of the Asian Cricket Council, attempted to present the trophy to India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav following his team’s five-wicket victory in the final. Suryakumar declined to receive the trophy directly from Naqvi, instead gesturing mockingly before taking it to his waiting teammates.
Naqvi maintained that only he, as ACC President, had the authority to hand over the trophy, and therefore refused to present it to anyone else on the podium.
Proposal Rejected by BCCI
Following the ceremony, Naqvi suggested that the trophy could be presented separately at a function in Dubai on November 10. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) rejected the proposal and raised the matter during discussions around the ICC Board meeting.
Efforts to Calm the Situation
Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) sources present at the ICC meeting emphasized that the discussions remained calm, despite the sensitivity of the issue.
There was no bitterness during the talks,” said a source familiar with the discussions. Boards like Australia, England and South Africa tried to appease both the warring parties. They also agreed to form a three-member committee to solve the trophy issue.
The committee will be chaired by Oman Cricket Board chairman Pankaj Khimji, who is widely regarded as a trusted mediator with strong relationships in both India and Pakistan.
Naqvi Attended After Assurance of a 'Cordial Meeting'
Naqvi’s presence at the ICC Board meeting in Dubai was only confirmed on Friday morning, after a crucial Senate session in Pakistan was postponed. Sources also informed Telecomasia.net that Naqvi agreed to attend once he was assured the conversation would be handled “in a cordial manner.”
The ICC Board underlined that both India and Pakistan remain central to the global cricket landscape and that their disputes must be addressed constructively.
