June 13, 2025
The future of the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled for September in India, is hanging in the balance due to escalating political tensions between India and Pakistan. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has begun exploring alternative options, including organizing a tri-nation series with Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a backup plan.
Tensions Cast Doubt on Tournament
The uncertainty follows a recent terrorist attack in Kashmir and rising military strain between the two nations. While the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) had earlier approved a hybrid model for the Asia Cup—allowing Pakistan to avoid traveling to India—no concrete confirmation has yet come from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding hosting arrangements.
According to sources quoted by PTI, “With the Asia Cup now unlikely to be held in India as originally planned in September, the PCB is working on an alternate proposal involving Afghanistan and the UAE.”
Possible Tri-Series in August
Discussions are already underway between the PCB and both Afghanistan and UAE cricket boards. The proposed plan involves replacing Afghanistan’s scheduled tour of Pakistan with a tri-series in Dubai or Pakistan in August 2025, providing international match practice if the Asia Cup is cancelled or postponed.
ACC Meeting Expected Soon
PCB Chairman and ACC President Mohsin Naqvi is expected to meet with ACC officials in the coming days to address the future of the tournament. A final decision is likely to depend on the BCCI’s stance and regional diplomatic developments.
The Asia Cup 2025 was scheduled to be played in the T20 format, serving as a key preparatory event ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. However, with political friction intensifying, cricket fans may miss out on the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash once again.