Pakistan’s absence from the Asia Cup is no longer just speculation — it’s as if reality itself is knocking at the door. Now, it’s only a matter of time. While it may not need to be said outright, an Asia Cup without Pakistan would undoubtedly lose much of its color.
Politics and cricket often become intertwined — and when it involves India and Pakistan, it’s even more intense. At a time when India-Pakistan political relations are simmering with hostility, its impact has once again started to seep into the cricketing world.
This year’s Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in India in September. But will Pakistan be seen participating there? As plans for the tournament slowly take shape, a familiar question has resurfaced.
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar seems to have answered that question, in a way. The former Indian captain clearly stated, “I don’t see Pakistan being part of the Asia Cup in any way.” A calm remark — yet one packed with explosive undertones. In conversation, he went on to say, “Given the way things are going, there might not be any need for the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) at all. Nor for its hollow mask of unity.”
Gavaskar knows that if the Indian government says “no,” the BCCI will not allow Pakistan to participate in the Asia Cup under any circumstances. In such a case, there’s little the ACC could do.
That might be why Gavaskar is offering a glimpse into the future — suggesting the possibility of a tri-nation tournament, possibly involving the UAE or Hong Kong. But Pakistan, he indicated, will remain out of the list.
Gavaskar added, “Given what’s happening, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Asian Cricket Council is dismantled altogether.” These simple yet seismic words echo not just across cricket grounds, but also within the corridors of cricket diplomacy.
Pakistan’s absence from the Asia Cup is no longer a rumor — it’s knocking at the threshold of reality. Only time will tell. Still, one could easily argue that the Asia Cup without Pakistan will be missing much of its vibrancy.
