The Board of the International Cricket Council (ICC) has formed a special committee to mediate the ongoing dispute between India and Pakistan following the Asia Cup 2025. The decision came after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) raised concerns during the ICC Board meeting held on Friday, according to a report by Telecom Asia Sport.
Oman’s Pankaj Khimji to lead mediation efforts in the India-Pakistan dispute by ICC
After both cricket boards sticking to their guns regarding the Asia Cup scandal, the ICC Board decided to have a mediation committee led by Oman Cricket Board chairman, Pankaj Khimji. Khimji who is known for his great relationships with both boards and his involvement in situations of discord in the past, will, no doubt, be instrumental in reducing the friction between the two camps.
The matter of contention is a post-match ceremony controversy following India's seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the final of the Asia Cup. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to take the trophy from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi. According to the reports, the Indian team did not accept the presentation due to Naqvi's being Pakistan's Interior Minister. Later, Suryakumar imitated the act of holding the trophy and then celebrated with his teammates.
Not long after, Naqvi suggested a proper giving-over ceremony in Dubai on November 10, which the BCCI rejected and instead brought the issue to the ICC meeting. Sources revealed that the talks took place in a friendly environment with the ICC Board recognising the significance of India and Pakistan for world cricket and inviting them to sort out through talks.
“There was no bitterness during the talks on the sidelines of the ICC meeting, and Boards like Australia, England, and South Africa tried to calm both sides. They also agreed to form a three-member committee to address the trophy issue,” a source told Telecom Asia Sport.
Naqvi’s participation in the meeting was confirmed only hours before it began, after Pakistan’s Senate postponed a session that was set to approve a key constitutional amendment.
