The Asian cricket calendar is in danger of massive disruption in the wake of prevailing tensions after the terror attack in Pulwama where over 25 people lost their lives. (More Cricket News)
As per a report in the Times of India, India's tour to Bangladesh and Asia Cup 2025 are both under doubt after tensions between these neighbouring countries have risen since the terror attack.
"The tour is part of the calendar but nothing is final yet. There is a bright possibility of India not touring Bangladesh for the ODIs and T20Is because of the current situation," the report stated citing a source.
Indian team is supposed to travel to Bangladesh in August for three T20I and as many ODIs. However, an irresponsible statement from a retired army officer from Bangladesh has put the future of the tour in jeopardy.
“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," Maj Gen (retired) ALM Fazlur Rahman said in a Facebook post.
With tensions rising, a boycott of the Bangladesh tour cannot be ruled out even though nothing has been said officially so far.
The future of Asia Cup 2025, which is to be played at a neutral venue, is also under serious doubt. India and Pakistan are usually put in the same group in Asia Cup and the format of the tournament in recent years is designed to give at least two and at maximum three games between the arch-rivals.
However, in the wake of the Pahalgam attacks, the future of the tournament remains undecided.
Recently, former India captain Sourav Ganguly had called for India to sever all cricketing ties with Pakistan. "100 per cent, this (breaking ties with Pakistan) should be done. Strict action is necessary. It is no joke that such things happen every year. Terrorism cannot be tolerated."
India and Pakistan do not play each other in bilateral series but the two sides consistently go head to head in International Cricket Council events and Asia Cups.
