Will the Asia Cup be held this year?

Express Tribune

21 hours ago

"1.8 billion rupees – that's a huge amount. If India doesn't participate, then the Asia Cup might not even happen."
This question was posed in surprise by a Pakistani TV channel representative to an Indian broadcaster, who replied, "Don't worry, the tournament will be held in September. Our team will also participate." This conversation took place recently. Currently, there are four sports channels in Pakistan. One is state-owned and financially struggling. Another was previously blacklisted and is now barely surviving by airing old footage. A third is newly affiliated with an international sports network, and one more media group is also competing for broadcasting rights. Our market is not that large, so recovering billions in broadcasting fees is an uphill battle.
But that's not our main topic. The positive takeaway here is the encouraging signals surrounding the Asia Cup. After suffering setbacks during the recent conflict, the Indian media began spreading rumors that their team would not participate in the Asia Cup. However, the BCCI officially rejected such reports.
Recently, India and Pakistan were placed in the same group for the Women's World Cup by the ICC, and there was no backlash in India. Pakistan has also been invited to participate in the Junior Hockey World Cup. Media management works differently in both countries. In India, cricket board officials rarely appear publicly. Instead, they leak information through journalists using anonymous sources – like they did during the Champions Trophy.
In contrast, PCB officials occasionally speak directly to the media. Indian media is no longer reporting negatively about the Asia Cup, which indicates they, too, have received assurance from the BCCI that the tournament will go ahead.
Last year, the Asian Cricket Council's 8-year media rights were sold to an Indian media group by Jay Shah for $170 million. This includes four Asia Cups and other women's and junior events, with at least two guaranteed India-Pakistan matches in each tournament. Sources say Sony has now also been told by the BCCI not to worry – India will play in the Asia Cup.
No matter how strained the bilateral ties, India has never refused to play Pakistan in ICC events. The only reason is the lucrative media rights, mostly held by Indian broadcasters. With billions invested, it's not feasible to waste that money. At such times, politics is conveniently set aside. It's safe to assume politicians also benefit from these massive deals, so they don't object either.
Fortunately, Pakistan doesn't politicize sports. Our government doesn't dictate which countries we should or shouldn't play against. This clear policy gives the board flexibility in decision-making.
This time, India is the official host of the Asia Cup, and reports suggest they've spoken with the Emirates Cricket Board to hold matches there. The tournament is expected to be held from September 12 to 28. Previously, the Asia Cup has also been held in Dubai, so it's feasible again.
India and Pakistan have agreed not to travel to each other's countries, and instead play at neutral venues. This will also apply to the Asia Cup.
Credit goes to Mohsin Naqvi for bringing balance to Pakistan-India cricket relations. His clear stance before the Champions Trophy forced India to agree to terms. In the past, Pakistan used to travel to India for ICC events, but India wouldn't reciprocate. Now, the BCCI is aware that any hard stance will be met with stronger reaction from Pakistan.
Therefore, it appears increasingly likely that the Asia Cup will be played in September, to determine Asia's cricketing champion. However, India is unpredictable – they could cause trouble at the last moment. So Mohsin Naqvi, as the Asian Cricket Council chief, must have a Plan B ready. After all, India has realized, especially after the recent war, that the only way to appease their public is by defeating Pakistan in a cricket match – or making films with actors like Akshay Kumar or Ajay Devgn, showcasing fictional victories.
Whatever happens, matches between these traditional rivals always capture fan interest. Pakistani fans are especially eager for cricket. It's surprising that a series was held just before the PSL, exhausting players, and now there are no matches at all. If Bangladesh hadn't agreed to play three additional T20s in July, this off-season would've been even longer. For future tours, Pakistan must work hard on its FTP (Future Tours Programme). Since Sameer Syed doesn't know much about cricket, experienced officials should guide him.
Stadiums look good only when active. No matter how many training camps are held, nothing beats actual match practice. The Asia Cup, followed by the T20 World Cup, are crucial. Beating Bangladesh won't be enough preparation – the more we play against stronger teams, the more we will benefit.