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

Dubai: The Asia Cup 2025 may have found a lifeline. Amid weeks of speculation over government clearance and regional instability, Indian Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has provided a much-needed signal of clarity — stating that India has no objection to playing Pakistan in multilateral sporting events, including the Asia Cup, scheduled for September.

“We will not engage in bilateral matches with Pakistan,” Mandaviya said, referring to Pakistan. “But we have no problem playing them in international tournaments where multiple countries are involved.”

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.

Yet Mandaviya’s categorical statement has shifted the momentum. “Everyone knows the government’s stand,” he reiterated. “When it comes to global events, India is open to playing all nations, including Pakistan.”

The clarification came as India prepares to host two major hockey tournaments — the Hockey Asia Cup (August 27 — September 7 in Rajgir, Bihar) and the Junior World Cup later this year. Mandaviya confirmed that India would grant visas to the Pakistan teams if their government approves participation.

“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.

Sri Lanka Cricket, too, has reportedly expressed concerns about attending the meeting in person. As of now, only Pakistan and Bangladesh are expected to attend physically, with other member boards possibly joining online.

With less than two months to go before the proposed Asia Cup start date of September 5, and a high-profile India vs Pakistan clash slated for Sept. 7, any further delay in finalising logistics and venues could jeopardise the tournament’s execution.

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.

“The proposal for UAE was on the table even before the Pahalgam incident,” a board source had said last week. “Now, we will go by whatever the government decides.”

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.