The 2025 Men’s Asia Cup, set to begin on September 9 in the UAE, is facing major uncertainty after India and Sri Lanka refused to attend a crucial Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Dhaka. Their absence, reportedly due to concerns over political instability and administrative challenges in Bangladesh, has cast a shadow over the tournament’s organization and venue security.
Originally scheduled as a high-profile tournament featuring top Asian sides, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and emerging teams like Oman and Hong Kong, the Asia Cup’s full fixture list had been prepared with Group A and B alignments. However, the political and safety concerns raised by two of the region’s cricketing giants have triggered emergency discussions over possible relocation of the tournament.
The UAE remains the front-runner for a backup host, a move that echoes the 2018 Asia Cup, which was also relocated due to political tensions. With India and Sri Lanka both opting out of the Dhaka meeting, other member boards are being forced to re-evaluate whether the current leadership and location are appropriate for a continental event of this scale. Oman has reportedly supported India and Sri Lanka’s stance, further complicating the dynamics within the ACC.
The refusal to attend the in-person gathering is being interpreted as a symbolic protest against Bangladesh’s unstable administrative environment. With virtual attendance on offer, there is still a chance for the concerned boards to participate indirectly. However, the message is clear—member countries are no longer willing to compromise on governance, stability, and security when it comes to global events.
The ACC now finds itself in a critical position. Without consensus among its key stakeholders, decisions on venues, scheduling, and logistics cannot be finalized. While the UAE is considered a neutral and reliable host, shifting an entire tournament on such short notice is logistically demanding and financially taxing.
The tournament’s integrity is also at risk. If major players like India and Sri Lanka decline to play in Bangladesh, the competitive and commercial value of the event drops significantly. The ACC must now act swiftly—either to guarantee full participation in the UAE or to find a way to bring hesitant teams back to the table under more agreeable conditions.
The next few weeks will be crucial. With the Asia Cup scheduled to begin in just over a month, the time for diplomatic delays is over. Cricket boards must either reach consensus quickly or prepare for a divided tournament—something the sport can ill afford in a calendar already packed with bilateral and ICC commitments.
In a time when cricket’s global appeal is expanding, the Asia Cup risks becoming a case study in how off-field politics can derail an on-field celebration. Whether played in the UAE or elsewhere, the real test now lies in preserving unity among Asia’s cricketing giants.