India threatens Asia Cup pullout as Naqvi to virtually attend ICC meeting

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi speaks to media persons during an inspection of the construction work of Gaddafi Stadium, in Lahore on August 19, 2025. — Online

The Asia Cup 2025 faces fresh uncertainty as India has warned of boycotting the tournament if Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi skips the ICC Annual General Meeting in Singapore and opts for virtual participation instead.

Currently, PCB Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sameer Ahmed Syed is representing Pakistan at the AGM, which is being held from July 17 to 20 in Singapore, alongside representatives from major Asian cricket boards.

This year's meeting holds particular significance as it marks the debut of ICC Chairman Jay Shah, who recently assumed office, and will preside over the meeting.

However, tensions have escalated after Naqvi decided to participate virtually from Pakistan, especially following his decision to schedule a separate Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Dhaka — a move that has drawn criticism from India, along with Afghanistan, Oman, and Sri Lanka.

Indian media reports suggest that any decision at the Dhaka meeting in the absence of India, Afghanistan, Oman, and Sri Lanka will be considered insignificant.

The core of India's demand revolves around a change in the venue for the upcoming ACC meeting, with the tournament's future reportedly hinging on this alteration. However, sources close to the ACC indicate that Naqvi remains resolute in his decision not to change the meeting venue.

The Asia Cup is tentatively scheduled for September in the T20 format, with India set to host the tournament.

Speculations about India potentially withdrawing from the tournament due to heightened tensions had previously circulated, but Shah, who previously served as secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has dismissed such reports.

In an attempt to de-escalate the situation, the ACC has offered member countries the flexibility to participate in the Asia Cup meeting online if direct attendance is not feasible.

Despite this concession, the threat of a full-blown Asia Cup boycott looms large, raising concerns about the immediate future of one of cricket's most anticipated regional tournaments.

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