WEBDESK: Mohsin Naqvi, President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), has arrived in Dhaka to chair the Council’s annual meeting, but India has refused to participate, continuing its hostile stance towards Pakistan.
The ACC meeting is scheduled to take place on 24 July in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka. This visit by Naqvi who is also the caretaker Interior Minister of Pakistan is seen as highly important for the future of Asian cricket. Key decisions, including the finalisation of the next Asia Cup host and tournament schedule, are expected during the session.
Upon arrival at the airport, Naqvi was warmly welcomed by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Aminul Islam. A formal dinner will also be held in Dhaka on Wednesday night in honour of all delegates attending the meeting.
Officials and representatives from several member countries of the ACC have already reached Dhaka to take part in the annual event. However, the noticeable absence of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has raised serious concerns over the unity and decision-making capacity of the regional body.
By Tuesday evening, BCCI had neither confirmed its participation nor agreed to join virtually. According to Indian media reports, the board officially declined the invitation, citing security and political concerns over attending the summit in Dhaka.
This decision has cast a shadow over the meeting, especially since India is scheduled to host the upcoming Asia Cup. Their non-participation raises doubts about the planning and organisation of the event and reflects growing internal friction within the ACC.
Further signs of strained relations emerged as BCCI also postponed its bilateral series against Bangladesh, which was due to be held in August. This has fuelled speculation that political tensions are increasingly affecting sporting ties in the region.
While the ACC pushes ahead with its agenda despite rising regional uncertainties, India’s absence is being seen as a deliberate move to stall consensus and undermine collective decision-making, particularly in matters involving Pakistan.
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