Cricket’s politics often stay out of the radar of the public, but there are moments when tension steps into full view and holds the game in an uncomfortable grip. The events of the recent Asia Cup created such a moment, and those ripples continue to spread.
Officials and administrators are now preparing to gather in Dubai for the International Cricket Council’s quarterly meetings, though many of the serious discussions will likely happen in hallways and private rooms rather than in the official sessions.
Reports from regional cricket correspondents suggest that the fallout from the Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan will weigh heavily over this week’s meetings. The Chief Executives’ Committee will meet first, followed by the Board meeting involving all board heads.
Although the Asia Cup issue does not sit on the formal agenda, few believe anyone will ignore it. The friction between the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Pakistan Cricket Board reflects a broader strain, and the Asia Cup only intensified it.
India and Pakistan faced each other three times, and each match carried a charged emotional edge. A no-handshake stance from the Indian board added more heat. The ICC reviewed the actions of four players, Haris Rauf, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Sahibzada Farhan, and judged that they used gestures with political intent.
Matters rose further during the trophy presentation after India’s win, when the Indian camp refused to receive the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who holds roles in both cricket administration and government. Officials currently keep the trophy stored away instead of displaying it, and uncertainty over Naqvi’s attendance in Dubai adds another point of focus.
This situation feels heavy because it sits at the intersection of sport and national sentiment. Cricket often reflects the mood between these two countries, and right now the mood shows strain. Yet people inside cricket know that this rivalry holds immense emotional and commercial weight. Matches between India and Pakistan draw unmatched attention and create lasting memories, even in tense periods. So some progress can still happen if discussions stay direct and steady.
