New Delhi: A new and important update has emerged amid the ongoing tussle between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) over the Asia Cup trophies. BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia has clarified that he is confident that both the Men's and Women's Asia Cup trophies will definitely be brought to India eventually. However, he also admitted that at present no definite time limit can be set for this. The Indian board hopes that these trophies will grace the BCCI headquarters at the historic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where they are currently waiting.
Why are Asia Cup trophies stuck in Dubai?
Currently, both the men's and women's Asia Cup trophies are kept at the ACC head office in Dubai. The main reason behind this is the political and administrative dispute related to ACC President Mohsin Naqvi.
Last year, after winning the Asia Cup title, the Indian men's team had flatly refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi. Mohsin Naqvi is also the Home Minister of Pakistan.
Suspense regarding presentation in Asian Games 2026 also
During the Women's T20 Asia Cup, the Indian women's team boycotted the official trophy presentation ceremony attended by Naqvi and held a separate private medal ceremony in which BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia and Vice President Rajeev Shukla honored the players. Following the absence of the Indian team at the official ceremony, Naqvi handed over the runner-up check to the Sri Lankan team, following which the controversy deepened.
Now a similar political suspense has started deepening regarding the Asian Games 2026 to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Cricket competition is also included in this Mahakumbh, in which both men and women teams of India are presenting their claims. Since these competitions are to be conducted under the supervision of ACC, a big question has arisen that if the Indian teams win the gold medal, what will be the role of the ACC officials in the medal ceremony and will the Indian players share the stage.
Naqvi's tenure till April 2027
Mohsin Naqvi's current tenure as ACC president is scheduled till April 2027. After this, the decision on his continuing in office will depend on the mutual consent of the council member countries. In this political background, this statement of BCCI Secretary is being considered very important. Speaking to the media, Saikia reiterated that although no exact date can be announced, Indian cricket lovers can rest assured that both the coveted trophies will come to India in due course of time. Now everyone's eyes are on when these trophies reach Mumbai after administrative changes in ACC or some diplomatic solution.