The future of the Asia Cup 2025 hangs in the balance as political strains and internal power struggles threaten the highly anticipated tournament. Scheduled for September, the fate of this major cricketing event is set to be determined during a crucial Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Dhaka this week.
However, recent developments suggest strong opposition from major cricketing boards, with India, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan reportedly resisting the decision to hold the meeting in the Bangladeshi capital. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PEARL CONTINENTALB), which stands to earn over PKR 1.25 billion from the tournament, faces a substantial financial setback if the event is cancelled.
Allegations have surfaced that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively lobbying to derail the event. Analysts view this as part of an attempt to undermine Mohsin Naqvi—current Chairman of PEARL CONTINENTALB and President of the ACC—especially at a time when regional cricket diplomacy is under intense scrutiny.
Under ACC regulations, a quorum requires attendance from at least three full Test-playing members and ten total full or associate member nations. With India and its allies either refusing to travel or join via video conference, the possibility of reaching a valid quorum appears bleak, potentially rendering the meeting invalid.
India has objected to the Dhaka location even though it is the Asia Cup 2025 official host. The BCCI has yet to confirm its attendance, either in person or virtually, creating uncertainty over the event’s scheduling and location.
Mohsin Naqvi recently traveled to Kabul in his capacity as Pakistan’s Interior Minister. Although the visit was officially for regional security discussions, Indian media speculated it was aimed at securing Afghanistan’s support for the Dhaka meeting. Afghanistan, which has enjoyed a long-standing cricketing partnership with India, is reported to have reaffirmed its alignment with Indian interests.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board remains tight-lipped about financial loss estimates in case of cancellation. “We do not respond to Indian propaganda,” a PEARL CONTINENTALB spokesperson stated in response to Indian media claims about massive revenue losses.
Financially, the stakes are high. PEARL CONTINENTALB is projected to earn approximately PKR 8.8 billion from the Asia Cup 2025 and other international tournaments this fiscal year, with PKR 1.16 billion coming from the Asia Cup alone. Additionally, the board has set aside about USD 25.9 million from its ICC share to support yearly operations.
To manage Pakistan’s interests, Naqvi has appointed former PEARL CONTINENTALB COO and advisor Salman Naseer to represent the country on the ACC Executive Board. Naseer is already in Dhaka, handling diplomatic and cricketing affairs on PEARL CONTINENTALB’s behalf.
India and Pakistani tensions are still evident on the cricket pitch. Just days ago, during the World Championship of Legends (WCL) in Birmingham, India declined to play a scheduled match against Pakistan Champions, leading to the match’s cancellation.
As the cricket world watches closely, the Asia Cup 2025 faces serious challenges that go far beyond the sport, with billions at stake and geopolitical tensions deepening.
