NEW DELHI: The cricket boards of India and Pakistan have taken a significant step toward resolving the ongoing Asia Cup trophy dispute, with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirming that the "ice has been broken" following a meeting with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi on the sidelines of an ICC gathering in Dubai.

The controversy began after the Asia Cup trophy was not presented to India by Naqvi - who also serves as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairperson - when Suryakumar Yadav's side refused to accept it from him, citing his perceived anti-India stance. India had defeated Pakistan in the final of the T20 tournament held in Dubai on September 28.

"I was a part of both the informal and formal meeting of the ICC. PCB chairperson Mohsin Naqvi was also present. During the course of a formal meeting, it was not on agenda but ICC facilitated a meeting between myself and the PCB chief separately in the presence of a senior ICC office-bearer and another senior official," Saikia told PTI on Saturday.

"It was really good to start the process of negotiation. Both sides cordially participated in the meeting which took place on the sidelines of the ICC board meet," he added, assuring that a solution will be worked out soon.

The trophy remains at the ACC headquarters in Dubai, where staff have been directed by Mohsin Naqvi not to move it without his approval. Naqvi has reportedly maintained that the Indian team must accept the trophy directly from him.

"Both sides will work out something to solve the issue at the earliest. The ice has been broken now, so various options will be worked out.

"There will be options from the other side as well annd we will also give options on how to settle this issue and come to an amicable solution," Saikia said.

While there was speculation that a dispute resolution committee will be formed by the ICC to handle the matter, the BCCI secretary categorically denied any such move by the world body.

"Although one of the senior persons from ICC is involved in the process of negotiation, there is no requirement of any such thing (a committee) at this stage. The issue will be resolved before any such drastic step is taken by the ICC," Saikia assured.

The two teams clashed thrice during the Asia Cup and tensions were high in all the matches. The Indians maintained a no-handshake policy with their Pakistani counterparts for the entirety of the tournament as a gesture of solidarity with the Pahalgam terror attack victims.

As hostilities mounted, players from the two teams openly mocked each other through offensive gestures resulting in penalties on both the sides for "bringing the game into disrepute."

(With PTI Inputs)