In a high-stakes game of cricket diplomacy, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) finds itself at the centre of an escalating political contest between India and Pakistan, with both nations vying for strategic control ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and serves as the current Chairman of the ACC, has reportedly yielded to the conditions set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), in an apparent concession to keep the Asia Cup on track. Despite Pakistan’s bold attempt to assert its influence by holding a key meeting in Dhaka, it is India that seems to be holding the upper hand – for now.
Under pressure, Naqvi had to accept BCCI’s terms, following which BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla agreed to join the crucial ACC meeting via Zoom on Wednesday. Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are also expected to attend virtually.
However, Naqvi’s original plan to hold elections for the ACC Vice-President has been blocked, and the meeting will now be limited to discussions on financial matters only – a clear indication that India is steering the narrative.
Pakistan’s Political Clout in Play Behind the Scenes
The ACC meeting, meant to finalise the Asia Cup schedule (September 10–28), has turned into a litmus test of diplomatic muscle. Naqvi flew into Dhaka with the intent of holding a full-scale in-person gathering, attempting to foil Indian efforts to deter member participation. Despite claims that Afghanistan and Bangladesh were unlikely to attend, sources in the PCB maintain the meeting is moving forward as planned, with logistical preparations overseen by PCB COO Salman Naseer.
Sri Lanka Signals Softening of Its Position
Insiders say Naqvi’s dual role as Interior Minister allowed him to lobby effectively across borders. He travelled to Afghanistan, Indonesia and the UAE on official business, using the opportunity to rally support for Pakistan's position within the ACC. Pakistan claim that their strategy seems to have paid off – Sri Lanka, once perceived to be leaning toward India, is reportedly reconsidering its stance after advisement from its government.
A top official of Sri Lanka Cricket told www.telecomasia.net that they will look at the agenda of the meeting and then decide to attend it via video link.
Quorum Nears Completion Despite Roadblocks
The quorum will be complete. Five countries are already in Dhaka, and more are arriving this evening: There’s disappointment within the ACC over the attempt to derail a member-hosted meeting, especially when Dhaka hasn’t hosted one in years.
While India is technically the host of the 2025 Asia Cup, political tensions between the neighbours mean that Pakistan will not travel to India. The tournament is expected to be relocated to the UAE, mirroring the hybrid model used in previous editions.
The ACC constitution requires the physical or virtual presence of at least three of the five Test-playing members (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan) and 10 Full or Associate members for a valid quorum. With Nepal, UAE, Malaysia, Oman, Hong Kong and several other nations backing the meeting, quorum appears likely.
However, the underlying tension remains. The political fallout between India and Bangladesh – following the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina – has influenced BCCI's resistance to Dhaka as the venue. India has even cancelled an upcoming white-ball tour of Bangladesh.
1.5 Billion Rupees at Stake for PCB
At stake is not just administrative control, but a hefty sum. The PCB stands to lose nearly ₹1.5 billion if the Asia Cup is cancelled or further delayed. Both India and Pakistan are playing for more than cricketing pride; they’re battling for influence in a region where the sport and politics often intersect.
As tomorrow’s meeting unfolds, the real game may not be on the pitch, but across boardroom tables – and Zoom screens.
