Asia Cup hopes revived? India clarifies stand on sporting ties with Pakistan

His remarks, reportedly made during interactions with the media ahead of India hosting major hockey tournaments, have been interpreted as a soft green light for the BCCI to proceed with Asia Cup preparations. The Board of Control for Cricket in India had earlier maintained that final participation decisions — especially for matches involving Pakistan — were pending government clearance.

The Asia Cup, officially hosted by India in a T20 format, has been under a cloud due to diplomatic tensions — particularly following the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) had proposed a hybrid model, wherein Pakistan’s matches could be held outside India, echoing the format used during the 2023 edition when India played all its games in Sri Lanka.

However, delays in government clearance and India and Sri Lanka both skipping the upcoming ACC meeting in Dhaka (scheduled for July 24) cast serious doubts over the event’s viability. The BCCI has reportedly been exploring a tri-nation series as a backup to ensure match practice for India ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026.

“We’ve told Pakistan that we have no objection to their participation and will issue visas. It is now up to their government whether they send the teams,” he said.

Interestingly, the Hockey Asia Cup 2025 also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup, adding further significance to Pakistan’s possible participation. Both India and Pakistan have won the title three times and will be aiming to reclaim regional dominance after South Korea’s triumph in the previous edition.

Despite the minister’s remarks, the ACC — currently headed by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi — is still waiting on a formal response from the BCCI. Reports suggest that the Indian board has made several requests to relocate or reschedule the Dhaka meeting, but the ACC has been firm on proceeding.

Mandaviya’s comments may not constitute an official approval, but they clear a major political hurdle. It now appears the ball is in the BCCI’s court — whether to stick with the hybrid model, push for a full tournament in the UAE (as was done in 2023), or pursue a tri-series alternative if uncertainties persist.

As broadcasters and sponsors grow anxious, Mandaviya’s words — though measured — offer a rare dose of optimism. Whether the Asia Cup survives, and in what form, will depend on the decisions taken in the days following the Dhaka meeting. But for now, the minister’s endorsement of multilateral competition may have tipped the scales in favour of the tournament going ahead.

From playing on the pitch to analysing it from the press box, Satish has spent over three decades living and breathing sport. A cricketer-turned-journalist, he has covered three Cricket World Cups, the 2025 Champions Trophy, countless IPL seasons, F1 races, horse racing classics, and tennis in Dubai. Cricket is his home ground, but he sees himself as an all-rounder - breaking stories, building pages, going live on podcasts, and interviewing legends across every corner of the sporting world. Satish started on the back pages, and earned his way to the front, now leading the sports team at Gulf News, where he has spent 25 years navigating the fast-evolving game of journalism. Whether it’s a Super-Over thriller or a behind-the-scenes story, he aims to bring insight, energy, and a fan’s heart to every piece. Because like sport, journalism is about showing up, learning every day, and giving it everything.

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