The 2025 Asia Cup has been thrown into uncertainty after India and Sri Lanka chose to skip an upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting, set for July 24 in Dhaka. Their absence has raised fresh concerns over the tournament’s fate, especially amid increasing political tensions in the region.
Sources within the ACC confirmed that the meeting would proceed as planned, offering online participation for those unable to attend in person. The session aligns with the Pakistan-Bangladesh T20I tri-series, a factor behind Dhaka’s selection as the venue. It would have been Bangladesh’s first time hosting such an ACC meeting in years.
The buildup to the tournament has been overshadowed by diplomatic complexities. India recently postponed its scheduled tour to Bangladesh, moving it from August 2024 to September 2026, officially due to international cricketing obligations. However, analysts suggest political friction between New Delhi and Dhaka may be a driving factor. Sri Lanka’s decision to skip the meeting is widely seen as a show of support for India.
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The meeting was expected to finalise key decisions, including the tournament schedule and venue. Although India is listed as the official host, it is unlikely to stage matches on its soil. The UAE has emerged as a possible neutral ground, similar to previous editions.
The ACC has sent a formal request to the BCCI for clarification on India’s hosting intentions. No response has been received so far, leaving other member boards uncertain and pressed for time, with the tournament just weeks away.