Blunt Talk from Sunil Gavaskar: Asia Cup Participation Unlikely for Pakistan and Potential Dissolution of ACC
Potential Exclusion of Pakistan from Asia Cup Following Pahalgam Attack: Two Nations at Odds...
Veteran cricket pro Sunil Gavaskar ain't mincing words, folks. He reckons that tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terrorist attack might lead to the disbandment of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in the upcoming months. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is co-hosting the multi-nation continental tournament slated for this year, but the recent turn of events has cast a dark shadow over the Asia Cup.
Sunil Gavaskar has made it clear that Pakistan's participation in the Asia Cup is looking grim, and it'll depend on whether political relations improve between the two nations in the next few months. The Indian government's decisions have been bold lately, and Gavaskar states that if things don't change, it's hard to imagine Pakistan being part of the Asia Cup, which is set to be hosted by both India and Sri Lanka.
Gavaskar also hinted that the future of the ACC could be at stake, and it might be disbanded if relations fail to improve. In such a scenario, a three-nation or four-nation tournament might be held, possibly with Hong Kong or UAE invited to join. However, he cautioned that everything hinges on the next couple of months and the current state of bilateral relations.
Gavaskar reiterated that India might pull out of the ACC and host a multi-nation tournament in India if they decide to abandon the Asia Cup. In that case, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, or another suitable location might host the tournament.
The ongoing tensions have made playing cricket between the two nations nearly impossible, according to Gavaskar. He added that the ACC's dissolution wouldn't surprise him in the least, given the current situation.
- Key Updates:
- ACC's Fate Up in the Air: Gavaskar emphasized that ACC's continued existence is contingent on improved diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan.
- Pakistan's Asia Cup Chances Slim: Gavaskar suggested Pakistan's exclusion from the Asia Cup is likely if the diplomatic relationship remains strained.
Gavaskar's remarks highlight the growing doubts about the ACC's future due to persistent tensions between India and Pakistan. Although no official announcement has been made, Gavaskar's candid remarks reflect a deepening concern about the ACC's longevity.
- The future of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) could be uncertain, as Sunil Gavaskar suggests it might disband if diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan do not improve.
- If the Asia Cup is to be held without Pakistan's participation, India might stake its claim to host a multi-nation tournament instead.
- Gavaskar comments raise concerns about the possible absence of Pakistan in the Asia Cup, which could make their chances slim or even non-existent.
- If the ACC were to dissolve, a three-nation or four-nation tournament might take place, potentially inviting Hong Kong or UAE to join.
- With political tensions between India and Pakistan casting a dark shadow over the ACC and the Asia Cup, the fate of the continental tournament in 2025 remains uncertain.
