BCCI Declines Attendance at ACC Meeting Amid Political Concerns in Bangladesh

BCCI's Stance on ACC Meeting

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that it will not send representatives to the upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting scheduled for July 24 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This decision stems from concerns regarding the political situation in Bangladesh, which the BCCI considers unsafe for its officials.

According to reports from a leading Indian newspaper, the BCCI has formally communicated its apprehensions to the ACC and requested a change in the meeting location. Should the ACC insist on holding the meeting in Dhaka, the BCCI is prepared to forgo attendance.

A senior official from the BCCI remarked, "We have informed the ACC that we will not send our officials to Dhaka. Everyone in the ACC is aware of the geopolitical issues in the region. Holding such an important meeting in Dhaka under these conditions is quite insensitive."

This is not the first instance where the BCCI has raised concerns regarding the situation in Bangladesh; previously, the board postponed a planned cricket series in Bangladesh this August due to similar political issues.

Uncertainty Surrounds Asia Cup 2025 Hosting

India is set to host this year's Asia Cup, which is anticipated to commence on September 5 in a T20 format. However, ongoing tensions, particularly with Pakistan, along with regional instability, have cast doubt on the tournament's venue. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), with its facilities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, has emerged as a strong alternative to Bangladesh.

An insider disclosed, "The UAE was almost confirmed as the venue before the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The bigger question now is whether India will agree to play against Pakistan. While the Indian government recently allowed a Pakistani hockey team to visit, cricket remains a sensitive topic, and a decision is still pending."

The official further cautioned, "If the ACC fails to address these concerns, the BCCI might even withdraw from the Asia Cup."

Exploring Alternatives for India's Cricket Schedule

Despite canceling the tour to Bangladesh, the BCCI aims to avoid a prolonged gap in India's international cricket schedule. To address this, several cricket boards, including those from Sri Lanka and England, have expressed willingness to host India during this period.

The BCCI is actively considering these offers and is even contemplating organizing an alternative tournament if the Asia Cup cannot proceed as planned.