The future of the Asia Cup Cricket Tournament, scheduled for September 2025, hangs in the balance as tensions rise within the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). A critical meeting is set for Thursday in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where the final decision on the tournament’s fate will be made.
Unfortunately for Pakistan, mounting political interference—particularly from India-has put the tournament in jeopardy. If canceled, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) could face a staggering financial loss of over 1.16 billion Pakistani rupees (approx. $4 million USD).
India’s Reluctance and Alleged Sabotage
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly been actively working behind the scenes to block the Asia Cup from taking place. While India is the official host of the tournament, it has shown clear resistance toward participating in the Dhaka meeting.
Indian officials are opposing Dhaka as the meeting venue, despite the fact that under ACC’s constitution, the quorum requires the presence of at least three full ICC members (Test-playing nations). Without that, the meeting-and any decisions made—could be deemed invalid.
Afghan and Sri Lankan Boards Join Indian Camp
Sources indicate that Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have also aligned with India on this issue. Afghanistan, whose cricket infrastructure has long been supported by India, is reportedly hesitant to oppose Indian interests. Its home games have previously been hosted in Dehradun, India, further solidifying their cricketing ties.
Despite a recent visit to Kabul by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi—also Pakistan’s Interior Minister—to discuss regional security, reports suggest his attempts to secure Afghan support for the Asia Cup meeting were unsuccessful.
Dhaka Meeting Faces Uncertain Turnout
As of now, at least 10 member boards (Full or Associate) must participate in the Dhaka meeting for it to proceed under ACC rules. But several boards, including India, Afghanistan, Oman, and Sri Lanka, have expressed unwillingness to attend, either in person or even via video link.
This raises serious concerns about the legal status of the meeting and the potential delay or cancellation of the tournament altogether.
Pakistan’s Financial Stakes Are High
According to estimates shared by Indian media, PCB was expecting to generate around PKR 1.16 billion ($4 million USD) from the Asia Cup alone. The total anticipated earnings for the year, including other ICC tournaments, are pegged at PKR 8.8 billion ($26.4 million USD).
These funds are vital for PCB’s annual operations. A reliable source within the board reportedly confirmed that $25.9 million USD had already been allocated from ICC revenues for the ongoing fiscal year.
PCB Remains Tight-Lipped Amid Indian Media Campaign
In response to the ongoing media narrative, the PCB spokesperson declined to comment, stating that “we do not respond to Indian propaganda.” This comes just a week after India’s Minister for Sports hinted that the Indian team might participate in the Asia Cup, but gave no firm commitment.
The conflicting messages suggest a larger geopolitical maneuvering aimed at isolating Pakistan cricket on the regional stage.
Recent Incidents Reflect Growing Hostility
Tensions between Indian and Pakistani cricket authorities have only intensified in recent months. Just days ago, India refused to play against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends match in Birmingham, leading to the game’s cancellation. The refusal was seen as another indication of BCCI’s growing hostility toward Pakistan’s cricketing interests.
Leadership Moves by PCB
To counter the situation, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has nominated Salman Naseer, a former COO and current advisor, as the Executive Board Member representing Pakistan in the ACC. Naseer is currently stationed in Dhaka and overseeing all PCB matters related to the meeting and negotiations.
Asia Cup Becomes a Geo-Political Issue
The Asia Cup, once a platform for uniting Asian cricketing nations, is now becoming a geo-political battleground. The outcome of Thursday’s meeting will not just determine the fate of the 2025 tournament-it could redefine power dynamics within the Asian cricketing community for years to come.
Final Thoughts
The uncertainty surrounding the Asia Cup is more than just a cricketing concern-it’s a financial and political challenge for Pakistan. With millions at stake and regional alliances shifting, the next 48 hours could prove decisive for the future of cricket in Asia.
Stay tuned to SportSnip.com for the latest updates on this developing story.
