Former Indian cricketer demands Pakistan’s removal from Asia Cup, ACC

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has sparked controversy with his recent statements about Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 and the future of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC. His comments come amid ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan.

The Asia Cup is scheduled to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka later this year. However, Gavaskar questioned whether Pakistan should be allowed to take part, citing the Indian government’s strong influence on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

“BCCI’s stance has always followed the Indian government's direction. If the situation hasn’t changed, I don’t see Pakistan taking part in the Asia Cup,” said Gavaskar during a recent interview on a local sports platform.

The former Indian captain also spoke about the possibility of bigger changes in Asian cricket. He suggested that the ACC could even be disbanded, making way for new tournament formats like three- or four-nation series involving teams such as Hong Kong or the UAE.

“It’s possible that the Asian Cricket Council could be dissolved. Instead, we might see a tri-series or a four-nation event. What happens next will depend on how things unfold in the coming months,” Gavaskar added.

He further hinted that India might pull out of the ACC entirely and organize its own multi-nation tournament, possibly in partnership with countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.

“If India decides to host a tournament on its own, it could take place in India, or even in Bangladesh or Sri Lanka, with India still being the main host,” he said.

Gavaskar’s remarks have stirred debate in the cricketing world, especially as the Asia Cup draws closer. His statements reflect growing uncertainty over the tournament's structure and participation, particularly involving arch-rivals India and Pakistan.