The Indian government has given its nod to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding their participation in the Asia Cup 2025. The multi-nation tournament’s future had hit a snag after tensions between India and Pakistan flared in April.
A BCCI official had told InsideSport in June that the board would only allow Team India to play if the Indian government grants them permission to play international cricket against Pakistan.
IND vs PAK in Asia Cup 2025
Amid all this, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) had also written to the BCCI, demanding a prompt response regarding the Asia Cup 2025, as a substantial sum of money was at stake. An ACC meeting is already scheduled to be held later this month in Dhaka but luckily the topic of discussion won’t be India’s participation.
India’s Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has confirmed that India and Pakistan will continue to play against each other across sports at international events. He stated this on Monday (July 14) in the Parliament while announcing that the National Sports Governance Bill will be tabled soon. However, there will be bilateral engagement between the nations.
“Our stand is clear. We don’t have any problems playing with Pakistan in any international sporting event, be it cricket, hockey, or any other sport. But when it comes to bilateral engagements, the government position is known to all,” Mandaviya said.
What we know about the Asia Cup so far
The tournament was initially going to be an 8-team affair but it seems like it might be cut down to 6. Oman and Hong Kong had qualified for the Asia Cup 2025, but that may change after the tournament’s schedule and other logistical preparations get delayed.
The tournament is expected to begin on September 5 and end on September 21. India and Pakistan are expected to lock horns twice. The first encounter will likely be on September 7 and the second one a week later, on September 14.
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