The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has once again stirred the pot with its predictable Asia Cup scheduling, leading many to question if the continental showpiece is now merely an India-Pakistan series in disguise. For the fourth consecutive edition, the arch-rivals find themselves deliberately placed in the same group, a move that openly prioritises commercial gain over sporting integrity.
This recurring fixture is no accident. By reportedly bypassing traditional drawing ceremonies, the ACC meticulously crafts groups to ensure the highly lucrative India-Pakistan clash. With bilateral series between the two nations practically non-existent due to geopolitical tensions, these Asia Cup encounters become an undeniable magnet for eyeballs and, consequently, immense revenue. The ACC's strategy extends beyond just the initial group stage. In previous six-team tournaments, India and Pakistan consistently enjoyed a more straightforward path to the Super Four, often pitted against weaker sides like Hong Kong or Nepal. Meanwhile, Test-playing nations such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan were grouped together, battling intensely for fewer qualification spots.
This year's expanded eight-team format, including hosts UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong, sees the pattern persist. Group A features India, Pakistan, Oman, and UAE, while Group B comprises Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. This design overwhelmingly increases the probability of multiple India-Pakistan showdowns, essentially guaranteeing at least two and potentially a third if both qualify for the final – effectively a mini-bilateral series within the Asia Cup.
While this approach undoubtedly fills the coffers of advertisers and stakeholders, it severely undermines the spirit of multi-team tournaments. The beauty of such events lies in their inherent unpredictability – the "luck of the draw" that can create surprising matchups or early clashes of titans.
This element of uncertainty, which fuels excitement and adds to a global sporting event's appeal, has been conspicuously absent from the Asia Cup for some time.
There was a period, as recently as 2004, when India and Pakistan weren't automatically thrown into the same group. However, back then, regular bilateral tours provided fans with ample opportunities to witness the rivalry. The deteriorating political relationship between the two nations has since transformed the Asia Cup into this pseudo India-Pakistan series, leaving fans wondering if it's truly a continental championship or just a lucrative platform for a manufactured rivalry.
Is prioritising a guaranteed India-Pakistan clash truly beneficial for the long-term health and reputation of the Asia Cup as a premier cricket tournament?
