The much-awaited Asia Cup 2025, set to begin on September 5, finds itself in a state of huge uncertainty. The main concern is India’s participation, especially the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match on September 7, because of tense political relations between the two countries in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
BCCI Hopes for Government Go-Ahead
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is holding out for a government green light to play in the Asia Cup 2025. As political tensions rise, government approval is essential for India to play, particularly against Pakistan.
A high-ranking BCCI official said to Sports Tak:
“The situation has changed after the Pahalgam attack. Whatever decision the government makes, we will follow.”
UAE Added as Standby Host for Asia Cup 2025
In a significant turn of events, the BCCI has included the UAE as a standby host for the Asia Cup 2025 in case the initial plans do not work out. The venues for this standby plan include:
Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Sharjah
The draft to hold the Asia Cup in the UAE was drawn up even before the recent terror attack took place, but its significance has increased with prevailing uncertainties.
Asia Cup 2025 in T20 Format Preceding the World Cup
The forthcoming Asia Cup 2025 will be held in the T20 format, which is ideally positioned as a build-up tournament for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, to be organized by India early in the new year. This positions the Asia Cup as an important platform for teams involved to make their final team selections and try out combinations.
BCCI Resists Dhaka as Venue for ACC Meeting
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In a parallel development, the BCCI has officially raised concerns over the venue of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting, currently scheduled for July 24 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Citing political instability in Bangladesh, the Indian board has requested that the meeting venue be shifted.
“Given the political situation in Bangladesh, it is not appropriate to travel there. We’ve asked the ACC to relocate the meeting,” said a BCCI insider.
The BCCI has even threatened to boycott the meeting if the venue does not change.
Option of Tri-Series in Case the Asia Cup is Cancelled
If the Asia Cup 2025 is not given the go-ahead, the BCCI has the option of a multi-nation tournament as a backup. A tri-series might be organized in the same window so that match preparedness for the T20 World Cup is maintained.
Inaugural Replacement Series by Sri Lanka
In the meantime, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has offered a three-match ODI and T20I series that mirrors India’s initial proposed itinerary in Bangladesh this August. It opens the door for experienced greats such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both retired from Tests and T20Is, to possibly return to the field in Indian shades.
Key Takeaways
Asia Cup 2025 beginning date: September 5, 2025
India vs Pakistan match: September 7, 2025
UAE (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah) identified as secondary host
BCCI is waiting for the Indian government’s go-ahead
Political tensions jeopardize India’s entry
BCCI protests Dhaka as ACC meeting host
Secondary options include tri-series or bilateral series against Sri Lanka
ALSO READ: Sri Lanka Asks BCCI For White-Ball Series Following Bangladesh Tour Cancelation
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