The future of the Asia Cup 2025 was thrown into fresh uncertainty after India and Sri Lanka declined to attend the upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting scheduled for July 24 in Dhaka, citing political unrest in Bangladesh, the host country. According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, the refusal adds further tension to the already complicated build-up to the tournament.
India, set to host the Asia Cup in September 2025, has also postponed its bilateral tour to Bangladesh from August this year to September next year. Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) cited international scheduling conflicts, the ongoing diplomatic strain between New Delhi and Dhaka is seen as a key factor behind the decision.
Despite the diplomatic snub, a senior Pakistani official associated with the ACC told Telecom Asia Sport that the meeting would go ahead as planned in Dhaka. “We have allowed a 15-day period for all member countries to make arrangements. Those who cannot attend physically can join online,” the official said.
The ACC has justified its choice of Dhaka, citing that Pakistan and Bangladesh will already be playing a T20I tri-series there from July 20-24 and Bangladesh hasn’t hosted an ACC meeting in years.
Meanwhile, India is expected to urge the ACC to relocate the tournament to a neutral venue due to an existing agreement barring Pakistan from touring India. Earlier this year, India had refused to participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to demand similar treatment in return; specifically, avoiding matches in India until at least 2027.
The Asia Cup has long been entangled in regional politics. India boycotted the 1986 edition over tensions with Sri Lanka, while Pakistan opted out of the 1990 tournament in India. The 2023 edition followed a hybrid model, with India playing their matches in Sri Lanka and the rest held in Pakistan.
(With inputs from IANS)
