The Asian Cricket Council's (ACC) annual general meeting concluded in Dhaka without a final decision on the fate of the 2025 Asia Cup, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) set to announce its position in the coming days.
We have deferred the final decision on the Asia Cup as the hosts, BCCI, will inform us in a few days. It’s a historic occasion, and we all want politics to stay out of sports. The unity of Asian countries matters the most.
All Eyes on BCCI
All 25 member nations attended the meeting, which focused extensively on the upcoming 17th edition of the continental tournament. Despite initial hesitations, India’s representative, Rajiv Shukla, eventually joined the discussions via video link.
Sources said Rajiv Shukla told the meeting that the BCCI will seek advice from the Indian government on whether to host the event or relocate it. The Board will also consult the government on whether to play against Pakistan, given the current geopolitical tensions.
Insiders revealed that Naqvi’s dual role as Pakistan’s Interior Minister gave him significant leverage to lobby across borders. He reportedly used official visits to Afghanistan, Indonesia, and the UAE to rally support for Pakistan’s stance within the ACC. According to Pakistani officials, the strategy has worked — Sri Lanka, once thought to lean toward India, is now said to be reconsidering its position following internal consultations.
It was all due to the members.
Sources suggest that UAE and Oman played an influential role in persuading India to join the talks. The proposed dates for the Asia Cup are September 8 to 28, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi suggested as the likely venues.
India–Pakistan Tensions Cast a Shadow
However, the tournament’s fate hangs in the balance due to strained diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan, particularly after a recent military confrontation. A growing chorus of voices — including former Indian cricketers and certain political figures — has urged New Delhi to boycott any sporting engagement with Pakistan in multinational tournaments.
Sport vs Politics
While the ACC is keen to maintain the sporting integrity of the tournament, the political crosscurrents may prove decisive. The Asia Cup, a key fixture in the build-up to the ICC events, traditionally brings together the region’s top cricketing nations, but has often been overshadowed by the complex geopolitical landscape.
What’s Next?
The final decision now rests with the BCCI, whose response is expected to shape the future of the tournament. The ACC, meanwhile, remains hopeful that sport will prevail over politics.
We thank all the members for attending. It’s the spirit of Asian cricket that keeps us together.
