ACC Aims for September Launch of Asia Cup 2025 Amid Rising Hopes

The Asia Cup saga may be nearing a resolution. While definitive conclusions remain premature, a palpable sense of optimism now surrounds the continental championship. This marks a significant shift from the previous uncertainty fueled by tensions between India and Pakistan.

India were champions of the previous edition of the Asia Cup in 2023 © Getty

Although nothing is set in stone, indications suggest a formal decision could emerge next week. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is reportedly aiming to release the schedule for the six-team tournament during the first week of July, coinciding with a planned meeting.

The ACC is reportedly targeting a September start, specifically around September 10, for the T20 format tournament. The participating nations are expected to be:

• India
• Pakistan
• Afghanistan
• Sri Lanka
• Bangladesh
• UAE

Promotional activities for the tournament are already underway.

The UAE remains the likely host. However, discussions are ongoing regarding a potential hybrid format. Due to prior agreements within the ACC, when India or Pakistan are scheduled to host the Asia Cup, it is to be held at a neutral venue.

The tournament's future faced turbulence following the terror attack in Pahalgam in April. The situation intensified after India launched Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May, raising concerns about the tournament's viability. Calls for India to boycott Pakistan in multilateral events also grew. Notably, India does not participate in bilateral cricket with Pakistan. Rumors circulated about a potential discussion of India's boycott of Pakistan at the upcoming ICC meeting.

Recent developments in international cricket hint at a possible shift in direction. The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently unveiled the schedules for the Women's ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, and the Women's T20 World Cup in England. India and Pakistan are slated to clash in both tournaments, on October 5 in Colombo and June 14 at Edgbaston.

While official statements from the BCCI, ACC, or ICC remain absent, it appears cricketing ties between the two rivals will continue, at least in global events. These matches are crucial revenue streams for world cricket, benefitting the ICC, ACC, and their member boards. While India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may not heavily rely on revenue generated from these high-profile encounters, governing bodies like the ICC, ACC, and their member boards heavily depend on them.