Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions Cast Shadow Over International Cricket

Tensions between India and Pakistan have begun to severely impact the cricketing world. Following the indefinite suspension of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the relocation of the remaining Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches to Dubai, concerns now loom over upcoming international fixtures — including the potential cancellation of the 2025 Asia Cup and India's scheduled tour of Bangladesh.

Amid heightened military activity and gunfire exchanges along the border — triggered by a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam — diplomatic relations between the two nations have deteriorated rapidly. The geopolitical unrest is now threatening the broader international cricket calendar.

Asia Cup 2025 in Jeopardy

India was slated to host the 2025 Asia Cup in September, with a hybrid model placing Pakistan’s matches in Sri Lanka — similar to last year’s arrangement. However, the worsening conflict has cast serious doubt on the tournament’s feasibility. Officials now see the Asia Cup's cancellation as increasingly inevitable.

India May Cancel Bangladesh Tour

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is also reconsidering its planned tour of Bangladesh, originally scheduled for August under the ICC's Future Tours Programme (FTP). The tour includes three ODIs and three T20Is, but sources suggest the BCCI might cancel the trip due to security concerns stemming from regional instability.

India’s top players, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, were expected to participate in the tour, but cross-border tensions may force a change in plans. This development could deal a significant blow to bilateral cricket relations in the region.

Bangladesh’s UAE Matches Also Under Threat

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh national team was set to travel to Pakistan this month for a five-match T20I series, preceded by two matches against the UAE in Sharjah. However, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials remain cautious about touring Pakistan amid mounting safety concerns.

Complicating matters, the UAE venues — Sharjah and Dubai — are being prepped for the relocated PSL matches, which could begin within a week. As a result, Bangladesh’s planned fixtures against the UAE on May 17 and 19 may also be scrapped due to venue unavailability.

IPL Postponement and Possible Rescheduling

The BCCI, having suspended the 2025 IPL indefinitely, is now eyeing the August–September window to complete the remaining 16 matches, including 12 league games. The final decision will depend on how the political and security situation evolves in the coming weeks.

With international cricket in South Asia facing unprecedented disruption, the impact of geopolitical tensions is becoming deeply felt both on and off the field.