Former Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar has made a huge statement on Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup 2025 later this year. The cricketer-turned-commentator predicted that Pakistan may not participate in the Asia Cup, and this came following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, resulting in 26 deaths.
The political tensions between India and Pakistan have worsened after the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. India blocked the social media accounts of several prominent PAK athletes. India is set to host the 2025 Asia Cup, but the Men in Green’s participation is under scrutiny due to the escalating tensions.
I Can’t See Them Being Part of the Asia Cup Now – Sunil Gavaskar
In a conversation with Sports Today, Sunil Gavaskar stated that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) follows the Indian government’s directives. Gavaskar added that Pakistan won’t be involved in the tournament unless the political situation changes.
“BCCI’s stance has always been what the government of India tells them to do. So I don’t think it would be any different when it comes to the Asia Cup,” Gavaskar said (via Hindustan Times).
“India and Sri Lanka are the hosts for this particular edition of the Asia Cup, so it depends on whether things have changed at all, but if things haven’t changed, I can’t see Pakistan now being part of the Asia Cup, which is going to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka,” he added.
Asian Cricket Council Might Be Disbanded – Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar said that the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) might be disbanded. Gavaskar added that teams like Hong Kong or the UAE could be invited to participate in a triangular or quadrangular series.
“I don’t know how it will be. It might be that the Asian Cricket Council could well be disbanded, and you could just have a three-nation tour, that could well have a three-nation tournament, or a four-nation tournament with maybe Hong Kong or UAE being invited.”
“So that could well happen, the Asian Cricket Council could well be disbanded. But I think it is dependent on what happens in the next couple of months,” said Gavaskar (via aforementioned source).
Indian and PAK cricketers are currently engaged in their respective franchise leagues—IPL and PSL. The schedule and host venues of the Asia Cup are yet to be finalized. If the tournament does go ahead, it’s likely to be played in a hybrid model, similar to previous editions.
India and Pakistan Haven’t Played a Bilateral Series Since 2013
Both teams have not played a bilateral series since 2013. The Men in Blue only face the Men in Green in ICC and ACC tournaments. India has consistently avoided traveling to its neighbors due to political tensions.
PCB had to host the 2023 Asia Cup in a hybrid hosting model, with India playing all its matches in Sri Lanka. A similar arrangement took place in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where India played all matches in Dubai instead of traveling to Pakistan.
With the Asia Cup 2025 scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, Pakistan’s participation remains uncertain. The tournament was expected to serve as a key preparation platform for the 2026 T20 World Cup.