Asia Cup 2025 Trophy Update: A significant development has emerged concerning the Asia Cup 2025 trophy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is optimistic that the trophy will reach its headquarters in Mumbai within the next 'couple of days.' Should the deadlock persist, the Indian board plans to bring this issue before the ICC (International Cricket Council) on November 4.
India clinched the Asia Cup by defeating arch-rival Pakistan by five wickets in the final held in Dubai. However, Team India refused to accept the trophy from Pakistan's Home Minister and ACC (Asian Cricket Council) and PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
During the Asia Cup, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav declined to shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Agha due to strained relations between the two countries. Furthermore, the Indian team refrained from shaking hands with Pakistani players during the 3 matches of the Asia Cup.
Mohsin Naqvi had previously stated that the trophy could be handed over to India, but only he (Naqvi) would present it. Despite a month passing since the victory, the BCCI is still awaiting the official handover of the trophy.
Devajit Saikia Gives Update on Asia Cup Trophy
BCCI Joint Secretary Devajit Saikia expressed to PTI: 'Yes, we are slightly disappointed that even after a month, the trophy has not been handed over to us. We had written to the ACC chairman about 10 days ago, but there has been no change in their stance. They still have the trophy, but we hope it reaches the BCCI office in Mumbai within the next couple of days.'
Saikia added that if the trophy is not handed over soon, the BCCI will raise the matter at the ICC's quarterly meeting starting November 4 in Dubai. The trophy presentation in Dubai was delayed by more than an hour, and without any explanation, it was removed from the field, leaving the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian team to celebrate a historic victory without the trophy, marking a first in cricket history.
The BCCI has officially demanded the return of the trophy, but reports suggest Naqvi is still insistent that Indian players should collect it in person at a future event.
Saikia stated, 'From the BCCI's perspective, we are fully prepared to resolve this issue. I can assure the nation that the trophy will indeed come to India, it's just a matter of time. One day, it will arrive. We have won all matches against Pakistan and have become champions. Everything is on record. Only the trophy is missing. I hope for a sensible decision.'
Prospect of a Tea Break Before Lunch in Guwahati Test
In a historic first, there is a possibility that the session order will be reversed in the second Test match between India and South Africa in Guwahati, with the tea break occurring before lunch. Saikia confirmed that discussions are underway to adjust match timings due to early sunrise and sunset in Guwahati.
He mentioned, 'The process is ongoing because the sun rises and sets earlier in the eastern parts of the country. Therefore, adjusting the six-hour game duration requires time changes. If the match starts before the usual lunch time, there won't be a lunch break then. Hence, the swapping of sessions is possible. It's not a big deal; the process is ongoing, and the final decision is pending.'
