Indo-Pak cross-border tensions cast doubt on Asia Cup

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted May 02, 2025

Escalating cross border tension between India and Pakistan has cast doubt on Asia Cup which is scheduled to take place at a neutral venue in September this year.

An already-strained relation between the two nuclear nations has now reached a boiling point following a deadly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, a popular destination in India administered Kashmir. Ever since the removal of Article 370, the disputed region has been under direct control of Indian central government.

On April 22, five gunmen wreaked havoc killing 25 Indians and one Nepali national after confirming the victims were not Muslims as they failed to recite a verse of regional Islamic book Quran.

India has claimed the terrorists were backed by Pakistan which also occupies a part of Kashmir.

The incident has pushed both the countries in a war-like standoff situation. Pakistan has put its Army on standby but denies any wrongdoing. Diplomats from both countries have already been told to leave the embassies in respective nations.

The latest development means it could directly affect any cricketing activities in the Indian sub-continent involving India and Pakistan. India has repeatedly denied to travel Pakistan since the 2008 November 26 terror attack in Mumbai. Last year, eventual champions India played all of their matches in UAE when Pakistan hosted the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan were also the hosts of 2023 Asia Cup with India playing all of their games in Sri Lanka and went on to win the tournament following a dominating performance.

India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Nepal had featured in the last edition of Asia Cup. The five Test nations this time will be joined by the UAE.

With India and Pakistan games generating a majority of revenue, Asia Cup will carry less significance if any of the two teams don't feature.