The fate of this year’s Asia Cup remains uncertain following recent clashes between India and Pakistan. The tournament, scheduled to be hosted by India in September, is now clouded by political and security concerns.
Uncertainty Over Tournament Plans
A top BCCI official stated that the board has not discussed the Asia Cup, citing their focus on the Indian Premier League (IPL) and India’s tour of England. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also refrained from confirming participation, stating, "We will cross that bridge when we come to it."
ACC & ICC Decisions
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has yet to issue a formal statement, while its president Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the PCB, was unavailable for comment. Meanwhile, the women’s Emerging Asia Cup has been postponed due to weather conditions and the spread of chikungunya in Sri Lanka.
India-Pakistan Cricket Relations
India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, opting to play all matches, including the March 9 final, in Dubai. Bilateral cricket between the two nations has been suspended since 2013, with encounters limited to multi-team events.
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has publicly opposed playing against Pakistan, even at neutral venues, but stated he would follow BCCI’s final decision.
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