According to highly placed sources, the BCCI has conveyed its decision to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), citing security and political concerns over Pakistan’s participation. The move comes amid renewed strain in India-Pakistan relations, with both nations showing little willingness to resume bilateral sporting engagements.
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No Bilateral Cricket Since 2012
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral cricket series since 2012-13. Their clashes have since been restricted to multi-nation tournaments like the ICC World Cup, Champions Trophy, and Asia Cup — with all fixtures played at neutral venues or outside India. The last Asia Cup in 2023 was held under a hybrid model, where Pakistan hosted a few matches while the bulk of the tournament was played in Sri Lanka, allowing India to participate without traveling to Pakistan.
However, the ACC’s initial plan to let India host the Asia Cup in 2025 now appears to have hit a roadblock.
BCCI Unwilling to Invite Pakistan
Insiders suggest that India was in line to host the 2025 edition, but due to the current geopolitical climate, the BCCI is not inclined to invite the Pakistan cricket team. A source stated:
“Given the current diplomatic freeze and security apprehensions, it is not possible to guarantee Pakistan’s participation in a tournament hosted by India.”
This comes after Pakistan’s refusal to travel to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup was only overcome after high-level diplomatic intervention. Now, with no such progress in talks, India’s cricket board is reportedly taking a firmer stance.
Uncertainty Around Tournament Format
The future of the 2025 Asia Cup remains uncertain. The ACC may now look for an alternate host or a hybrid format once again, but sources indicate that India is not keen on traveling to any venue where Pakistan is officially recognized as the host. If the current standoff continues, the tournament may either be shifted to a completely neutral venue or even face postponement or cancellation.
PCB Yet to Respond Officially
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet issued an official statement regarding the matter. However, sources within the PCB have expressed “disappointment” and are expected to raise the issue at the next ACC meeting. Pakistan has long insisted on equal hosting rights and has accused the ACC of being heavily influenced by the BCCI.
What Lies Ahead?
This development could widen the already strained cricketing gap between the two arch-rivals. While fans around the world eagerly await Indo-Pak matches, political tensions continue to overshadow cricket diplomacy. The ball is now in the ACC’s court, which will need to decide on whether to negotiate a compromise or consider scrapping India’s hosting rights altogether.
Tags: Asia Cup 2025, India vs Pakistan, BCCI, ACC, Cricket Diplomacy, India Not Hosting Asia Cup
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