(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Crucial ACC Meeting in Dhaka to Decide Pakistan’s Participation in Asia Cup 2025
LAHORE: A key meeting of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is set to take place this Thursday in Dhaka, where Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be hosted by India in September, will be a central point of discussion.
According to sources, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also currently heads the ACC, was expected to depart for Bangladesh on Tuesday night to lead the high-level session.
Political Tensions Cloud Cricketing Ties
Despite the Asia Cup being one of the region’s most prestigious cricket events, its future hangs in the balance due to ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, especially after a recent military standoff in May.
These strained relations have raised serious concerns over Pakistan’s ability to travel to India for the tournament. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly expressed discomfort with Bangladesh as the meeting venue, citing strained India-Bangladesh ties, and has proposed shifting the ACC meeting elsewhere—though the venue remains unchanged.
Major Teams May Skip ACC Meeting
Media reports suggest that apart from BCCI officials, representatives from Sri Lanka, Oman, and Afghanistan might also skip the meeting in Dhaka. This could affect key decisions regarding the tournament’s format, logistics, and participation.
Hybrid Model May Be Considered
One potential solution under discussion is the adoption of a hybrid model, similar to arrangements made for ICC tournaments such as the World Cup and Champions Trophy. Under this model, India and Pakistan play their matches at neutral venues, avoiding direct travel between the two countries.
What’s at Stake?
With just weeks to go before the Asia Cup, time is running out for finalizing logistics and scheduling. A decision in Dhaka could determine:
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Whether Pakistan will travel to India for the Asia Cup.
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If a hybrid format will be adopted to accommodate both nations.
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How political considerations will shape the future of regional cricket.
