(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Uncertainty Looms Over 2025 Asia Cup as India and Sri Lanka Skip Key ACC Meeting
The 2025 Asia Cup is facing renewed uncertainty after two major cricketing nations, India and Sri Lanka, decided not to attend an upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting scheduled for July 24 in Dhaka.
Their absence has raised fresh concerns over the future of the tournament, particularly amid rising diplomatic tensions in the region. Political strains between India and Bangladesh, alongside the longstanding complexities involving India and Pakistan, continue to impact regional cricketing decisions.
Despite these setbacks, ACC officials have confirmed that the meeting will proceed as planned. To ensure full participation, an online attendance option has been offered to all member boards. The timing of the meeting coincides with the Pakistan-Bangladesh T20I tri-series, set to take place from July 20 to 24 — a key reason Dhaka was selected as the venue. The session was also set to mark a rare ACC gathering hosted by Bangladesh in recent years.
The build-up to the Asia Cup has been overshadowed by political developments. India recently postponed a scheduled tour of Bangladesh from August 2024 to September 2026, officially citing international calendar constraints. However, diplomatic considerations are widely believed to be a contributing factor. Sri Lanka’s decision to skip the Dhaka meeting is seen by many as an act of solidarity with India.
The upcoming meeting is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the Asia Cup 2025. Discussions will reportedly focus on the tournament’s schedule, participating teams, and most critically — the final decision on the venue.
Although India was originally named the host nation, it is increasingly unlikely the tournament will be held there. The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a potential neutral host, and reports suggest the ACC has already sent a formal letter to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeking clarification on hosting responsibilities. So far, no official response has been received.
With the Asia Cup 2025 just weeks away, clarity is urgently needed. Unless the BCCI and other member boards can reach a consensus in the coming days, the tournament faces the risk of further delays or possible cancellation — a setback that would highlight the ongoing influence of regional politics on the sport.
