Mohsin Naqvi Finalizes Asia Cup 2025 Schedule in Dhaka
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Mohsin Naqvi, has successfully chaired the ACC Annual General Meeting in Dhaka, where the full schedule and host venue of the Asia Cup 2025 were finalized. Within just 48 hours, Naqvi led discussions that confirmed the tournament will take place from September 9 to September 28 in the United Arab Emirates. One of the tournament’s most anticipated matches — Pakistan vs India — is officially scheduled for September 14.
Indian Media and Political Circles React with Outrage
While the announcement has been welcomed in Pakistan and by cricket fans internationally, it has sparked considerable backlash in India. Several Indian media outlets, former players, and even politicians have expressed strong disapproval of India’s participation in the tournament. Critics argue that India should boycott the match against Pakistan, citing recent political tensions and military developments.
Following the announcement of the schedule, certain segments of Indian media labeled it a “diplomatic failure” for the Indian government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The criticism intensified particularly in response to the match being scheduled so close to Kargil Day, a symbolic and emotionally charged date in India.
BCCI Confirms India Will Not Boycott the Match
Despite the noise from emotional media figures and political pressure groups, senior BCCI sources have confirmed that India will not boycott the Asia Cup or the Pakistan match. All fixtures will go ahead as per the agreed schedule. The decision comes after internal discussions at the official level between Indian and Pakistani cricket authorities.
This confirmation, however, has not been well received by right-wing political leaders and commentators in India. Shiv Sena leader and Member of Parliament, Priyanka Chaturvedi, publicly criticized the Indian government and the BCCI. She called the agreement with the PCB a national disappointment, stating that it undermines the sacrifices remembered on Kargil Day.
India’s Olympic Ambitions May Have Influenced the Decision
According to reports in Indian media, one of the key reasons behind India’s reluctant agreement to proceed with the Asia Cup fixture against Pakistan is its ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games. International Olympic Committee (IOC) regulations prohibit host nations from excluding other countries based on political, religious, or racial grounds.
As a result, continuing diplomatic engagement with Pakistan in sports — particularly cricket — becomes a necessary compromise. India’s decision to adhere to the Asia Cup schedule may therefore be part of a broader strategy to present itself as a neutral and rule-abiding future Olympic host.
Mohsin Naqvi: Expanding the Platform for Regional Cricket
In his official statement, Mohsin Naqvi expressed pride in how the Asia Cup 2025 has taken shape. He highlighted the importance of the tournament as a platform to promote cricket across the region and elevate the sport above political challenges.
We are proud that this year the platform has been expanded,said Naqvi. This tournament will bring together eight top teams in a neutral venue that respects all stakeholders. Our vision is to make cricket a unifying force, and we are committed to making this event a global success.
A Neutral Ground for a Global Rivalry
Hosting the tournament in the UAE was a strategic move, providing a neutral ground that can help ease tensions while maintaining sporting integrity. With the Pakistan vs India match scheduled for September 14, fans across the globe will once again witness one of the most electrifying rivalries in sports.
While controversies continue in political circles, cricket fans are turning their attention to the action on the field. The Asia Cup 2025 promises to be a celebration of sport, competition, and diplomacy — a testament to how cricket can connect nations even in turbulent times.
Mohsin Naqvi’s leadership and diplomacy at the ACC meeting have ensured that Asia Cup 2025 moves forward with clarity and purpose. Despite the noise from Indian critics, the schedule is now set, and preparations are underway for an exciting and highly anticipated cricket tournament. The spotlight is now on the players, and the countdown to one of the biggest showdowns in world cricket — Pakistan vs India — has officially begun.
