ICC Steps In as BCCI-Mohsin Naqvi Asia Cup Trophy Row Overshadows Dubai Meeting
ICC intervenes in BCCI-ACC Asia Cup trophy row as Dubai meeting also approves Women’s World Cup expansion to 10 teams.
The ICC’s Board meeting in Dubai on November 7 turned tense as the “Asia Cup trophy row” between the BCCI and ACC President Mohsin Naqvi became a major talking point, despite not being on the official agenda.
According to reports, the BCCI raised concerns over Naqvi’s possession of the Asia Cup trophy, which India had won earlier this year. The controversy began when the Indian team declined to accept the trophy from Naqvi following his remarks linked to cross-border tensions.
Though the trophy issue wasn’t listed for formal discussion, it took center stage. ICC members acknowledged the importance of both India and Pakistan in world cricket and agreed to form a small committee to help resolve the matter. The committee’s immediate task will be to ensure the Indian team receives the trophy soon.
The disagreement has yet to be settled, but officials present confirmed that the ICC is seeking a diplomatic resolution. “No official minutes were recorded on the matter, but the concern was clearly discussed,” said an insider close to the meeting.
Focus Shifts to Women’s Cricket and Global Growth
Beyond the political tension, the meeting also focused on major cricket developments, including the future of women’s cricket. The ICC confirmed that the Women’s World Cup 2029 will be expanded to 10 teams, up from 8 in 2025.
“The ICC Board, keen to build on the success of the event, agreed to expand the next edition of the tournament to 10 teams (from 8 teams in 2025). Nearly 300,000 fans watched the event in stadia, breaking the record for tournament attendance at any women’s cricket event. The tournament also witnessed viewership growth and new records being set for on-screen audiences across the world, with nearly 500 million viewers in India,” stated an ICC press release.
The success of the 2025 Women’s World Cup was a highlight, with India’s first-ever title win drawing record digital audiences. The ICC also announced Mithali Raj’s appointment to the ICC Women’s Cricket Committee, a move seen as a recognition of her long-standing contribution to the sport.
While the Dubai meeting aimed to focus on progress and expansion, the unresolved Asia Cup trophy issue showed how cricket politics still lingers behind the scenes. The coming weeks are expected to determine whether the ICC’s mediation can finally bring the trophy dispute to an end.
