The subcontinent’s cricket calendar for 2025 faces serious uncertainty as rising geopolitical tensions between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh threaten to derail upcoming series and tournaments, including India’s tour of Bangladesh and the prestigious Asia Cup 2025.
India’s Tour of Bangladesh Under Threat
India is scheduled to tour Bangladesh in August 2025 for a white-ball series consisting of three ODIs and three T20Is. However, the current political climate may force a reassessment. A recent controversial statement by a retired Bangladeshi army general has inflamed tensions and sparked national-level concern.
Major General (retired) ALM Fazlur Rahman, who is believed to have strong ties with the interim Bangladeshi government, made an incendiary claim on social media suggesting that Bangladesh should occupy India’s northeastern states in the event of an India-Pakistan conflict. He further proposed a joint military alliance with China.
“If India attacks Pakistan, Bangladesh should occupy the seven states of North-East India. In this regard, I think it is necessary to start a discussion on a joint-military system with China,” said Rahman via Facebook.
This statement has triggered diplomatic concern and heightened India’s apprehension about sending its cricket team to Bangladesh.
Asia Cup 2025 Clouded by Indo-Pak Tensions
The tensions are not limited to Bangladesh alone. The Asia Cup 2025, which India is slated to host (or co-host via neutral venues), could also suffer disruptions. While plans initially aimed to hold the tournament in September 2025, right after the Bangladesh tour, the current diplomatic standoff has made the future of the event highly uncertain.
With a recent terror attack in Pahalgam adding to India’s security concerns, cricketing ties with Pakistan seem unsustainable in the short term. According to sources familiar with the matter, the Asia Cup may either be postponed or relocated entirely to a neutral venue.
Neutral Venue Unlikely to Salvage the Situation
The idea of hosting the Asia Cup 2025 at a neutral venue, similar to the hybrid model adopted in 2023 (co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka), is reportedly being discussed. However, insiders believe that without a guaranteed India vs Pakistan clash—a central attraction of the tournament—the appeal and competitiveness of the Asia Cup will be severely diminished.
Political Tensions Over Cricketing Harmony
This latest development underscores the persistent challenge of maintaining sports diplomacy in South Asia amid political unrest. Cricket, often seen as a unifying force in the region, is once again caught in the crossfire of international politics.
Unless a significant de-escalation occurs soon, India’s tour of Bangladesh and the Asia Cup 2025 both remain in serious jeopardy.
