India opted out from playing the 1986 edition of the Asia Cup held in Sri Lanka (Images via Getty Images & AP)

As the 17th edition of the Asia Cup unfolds in the UAE, a lot of attention has gone towards intense calls of boycott ahead of the India-Pakistan match. The tournament’s history and India’s role within it cannot be downplayed either. Despite being the event’s most successful side, there was one occasion when India did not take part or better put, boycotted it. This was in 1986, where the competition was held in Sri Lanka. The Asia Cup was inaugurated in 1984 in Sharjah, where Sunil Gavaskar led India to victory in the three-team competition, defeating Pakistan to claim the title. India were scheduled to defend their crown two years later in Sri Lanka, but that tournament remains the only edition they missed.

The reason for their absence was political rather than sporting. At the time, Sri Lanka was in the grip of civil unrest, and the Government of India directed the BCCI not to send the national team. India’s withdrawal opened the door for Bangladesh, who were added to the competition despite not having played an ODI before.However, it must also be noted that cricket relations between India and the host nation had soured after a controversial series in Sri Lanka the previous year. This too, played a part in the decision.In contrast to this incident, the Government of India has allowed for India to participate in International tournaments involving Pakistan, with BCCI aligning to this stance. Hence, the reason for the team’s participation in this edition. Bangladesh’s entry featured defeats to Pakistan and Sri Lanka in what was still a landmark moment for the emerging cricketing nation. Sri Lanka went on to win the title, their first Asia Cup triumph, beginning a tradition of featuring in every edition of the tournament since. India, meanwhile, returned to the Asia Cup in 1988 when it was hosted by Bangladesh, lifting the trophy once again by defeating Sri Lanka in the final. They also hosted the tournament for the first time in 1990, where Pakistan opted out.

While the Asia Cup has often been a showpiece for cricketing rivalries, it has also been heavily influenced by the region’s political situation. India’s 1986 boycott remains a reminder of how events outside the pitch shaped the competition’s history.