BCCI to not change the schedule of Asia Cup despite the India's tight calendar

India and Pakistan have not been playing any bilateral cricket in the last few years. The rivalry these two teams enjoy has the highest status amongst cricket fans and there is no denying the fact. The clash has produced some absolute thrillers over the years and have been cherished memories for the fans. However, the countries don’t get along well politically and that has reduced the number of on-field meets.

India-Pakistan only meet in International Cricket Council (ICC) or Asian Cricket Council tournaments. That said, India were supposed to host the next Asia Cup in 2018. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) though might not host the tournament but are committed to participation without a change in the schedule.

ACC also is rumoured to have accepted certain requests from Cricket Indonesia for funds and infrastructural development. Also, Olympic Committee of Asia (OCA) has asked the likes of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to field their best teams so that the profile of the tournament increases.

However, BCCI will struggle to do so as the Indian team will be touring England for a series of five Test matches. It is still not known whether OCA will accept the second teams as they are insisting on the first team’s participating in the tournament.

BCCI yet to seek permission from the government

As the tension between India and Pakistan is at its peak politically, the government does not want BCCI to play any bilateral cricket with Pakistan. The BCCI is yet to seek permission from the government for the same.

The last time BCCI asked for permission for a tournament against Pakistan, the Union Home Ministry and the Foreign Ministry rubbished it. However, this being an ACC competition, the government could give an approval. It will be interesting to see how BCCI tackle this situation.