ACC announces Asia Cup 2025 schedule
With the Asia Cup 2025 scheduled from September 9 to 28 in the UAE, the blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan on September 14 is already grabbing headlines. However, following the attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, many are requesting the Indian government to cancel the match.
India-Pakistan clash receives backclash
The April attack in Pahalgam, allegedly carried out by Pakistan-backed militants, triggered tensions between the two nations. However, the announcement of India facing Pakistan in the Asia Cup added fuel to the fire. Former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai and Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi have publicly called for India to withdraw from any cricketing ties with Pakistan. They pointed out that national interest and security must be prioritised over entertainment or commercial benefits.
Can the Indian government directly stop the BCCI?
At present, the Indian government cannot directly stop the BCCI from allowing India to play Pakistan in multilateral events like the Asia Cup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) functions autonomously and does not fall under the Sports Ministry, primarily because the National Sports Governance Bill is yet to be passed.
The Sports Ministry has clarified that bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan remain off-limits. But when it comes to multilateral events like the Asia Cup, governed by international or continental bodies like the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), India follows the Olympic Charter, which ignores political interference in sports.
What will happen if the National Sports Governance Bill is passed?
However, the scenario could change if the National Sports Governance Bill, currently being reviewed in Parliament, is passed. The bill proposes giving the government powers to impose restrictions on Indian teams’ participation in international events under extraordinary circumstances and in the national interest. Until then, the final decision lies with the BCCI.
The BCCI, which is hosting the Asia Cup 2025 in partnership with the ACC, has agreed to play all India-Pakistan matches at neutral venues like Dubai, with a mutual agreement lasting until 2027.
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