India is set to host the Asia Cup 2025. However, tensions between India and Pakistan keep the tournament's organization in suspense. Although no official announcement has been made, it's believed that a final decision might be reached next week.
Will the Tournament Begin on This Date?
Reports suggest that if everything goes as planned, the Asia Cup might begin in the second week of September, likely around September 10th. This edition will be in the T20 format. Teams from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the UAE will participate. The official broadcaster, Sony Sports Network, has also released a promotional video.
While India is the host of Asia Cup 2025, the tournament could be moved to the UAE. A 'Hybrid Model' is under consideration, allowing the Pakistani team to play their matches outside India. The 2025 Champions Trophy also adopted the 'Hybrid Model', with India's matches held in Dubai. Similarly, for the upcoming 2025 Women's ODI World Cup, Pakistan will play their matches in Colombo.
Source: aajtak
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, in April. This has cast a shadow over the Asia Cup. After 'Operation Sindoor' in May, relations between the two countries worsened. India has not engaged in bilateral cricket series with Pakistan for several years. India even avoids facing Pakistan in ICC tournament group matches. This could become a topic of discussion at the upcoming ICC (International Cricket Council) meeting.
However, recent developments hint at changes in cricket relations between the two nations. The ICC has scheduled matches between India and Pakistan for the Women's ODI World Cup 2025 and Women's T20 World Cup 2026. The Women's ODI World Cup encounter will take place on October 5th in Colombo, while the Women's T20 World Cup sees the rivals meet on June 14th in Edgbaston.
Optimism from Changing Scenarios, ACC Hopeful
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) remains hopeful that a full schedule for the 2025 Asia Cup will be released by the first week of July. While it's premature to say the tournament's organization is finalized, optimism prevails as conditions improve.
The Asia Cup brings new hope. Although no official statement has been released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or ACC, matches between India and Pakistan are notably profitable, benefiting BCCI, ICC, ACC, and other member nations significantly.
