The BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, claimed that the board is hoping that the Asia Cup winner's trophy will arrive at its offices in Mumbai "within a day or two." However, if the standoff persists, the Indian board will refer the subject to the ICC on November 4.
India won the Asia Cup by five wickets over arch-rivals Pakistan in the final in Dubai, but refused to collect the trophy from Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the ACC and PCB chairman.
This came after India captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with his Pakistani counterpart amid growing tensions between the two countries.
Naqvi has stated that the trophy can only be handed over to India if it is delivered by him. More than a month after the victory, the BCCI is still waiting for the official delivery of the silverware.
"Yes, we are a little unhappy with the way the trophy has not been given to us, even after a month. We are pursuing the matter. About 10 days ago, we wrote a letter to the ACC chairman, but there has been no change in their stance. They are still keeping the trophy in their custody, but we hope it will reach the BCCI office in Mumbai within a day or two." Saikia told PTI.
Mohsin Naqvi, the ACC and PCB chief, left the Dubai stadium with the Asia Cup trophy and has held it hostage after the Indian team refused to take it from him. They celebrated their tournament win without the trophy.
Although the BCCI has formally asked for its return, Naqvi has reportedly remained unwavering and suggested that Indian players pick it up in person at a future event because a formal resolution has not yet been reached.
"On behalf of the BCCI, we are fully prepared to deal with the matter, and I can assure the people of India that the trophy will come back to India—only the timeline is not fixed. One day, it will come. We have won all matches against Pakistan and won the trophy. We are the champions. Everything is on record—only the trophy is missing. I hope good sense will prevail,” Saikia stated.
(PTI inputs)
