Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) finds itself in a precarious standoff with the world’s most influential cricket authority, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), after post-Asia Cup tensions reached new heights. Amid allegations that PCB and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi absconded with the winners’ trophy, the BCCI is preparing a strong protest at the next ICC meeting in Dubai. Reports suggest that sanctions against Pakistan—ranging from financial penalties to bans on hosting international tournaments—could be on the table.

This dispute comes at a time when Pakistan stands isolated on the cricketing world stage. While China and Türkiye are traditionally seen as Pakistan’s global allies, both countries have little to no standing or influence in the sport of cricket. Attempts to rally support from them, or even the United States, would be futile as none are major cricket nations. The BCCI, on the other hand, enjoys considerable sway at the ICC, with support from Australia, England, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. Only the Bangladesh Cricket Board has shown intermittent support for PCB, but even that relationship has been inconsistent due to past disputes.

Relations with top cricketing nations remain complicated for the PCB. Australia’s engagement has been inconsistent, marred by disputes over payments to former coach Jason Gillespie. England’s board recently barred its players from the PSL during their domestic season and previously canceled a Pakistan tour over security concerns, further straining ties.

The underlying conflict mirrors wider diplomatic tensions—India’s refusal to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi (Pakistan’s federal minister and PCB chief) was rooted in geopolitics, not just sport. After deadly violence and military escalations earlier in the year, cricket has become the latest battleground for India-Pakistan tensions, with the BCCI determined not to cede ground on or off the pitch.

With the upcoming ICC Board meeting set to address the controversy, all eyes are on Dubai. Pakistan faces criticism not just from India, but from an increasingly united cricketing establishment—and in this arena, its usual international supporters like China and Türkiye hold no cards.