Since the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, relations between India and Pakistan have deteriorated significantly. The impact has also been felt in the world of sports, with many believing that the two teams may never face each other again on the cricket field. This uncertainty cast a shadow over major tournaments like the Asia Cup.
Questions arose about whether the Asia Cup 2025 would take place at all, if India would host it, or if it would be held at a neutral venue. And most importantly, would India and Pakistan play against each other?
Amidst all this uncertainty, a major update has now emerged regarding the Asia Cup. Despite the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has decided to go ahead and organize the Asia Cup 2025. According to reports, the tournament is likely to begin on September 10.
Asia Cup to Begin on September 10!
According to Cricbuzz, the ACC has started preparations for the Asia Cup 2025. The tournament is expected to begin in the second week of September and will be played in the T20 format. Reports suggest that six teams India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and UAE will participate. A final decision is expected in the first week of July, after which the ACC may announce the official schedule.
Will the Tournament Be Held in India?
India is the official host for the Asia Cup 2025, but reports indicate that all matches might be played in the UAE. Discussions are ongoing about organizing the tournament under a hybrid model. This was the case in the previous Asia Cup in 2023, where Pakistan was the official host, but India played all its matches in Sri Lanka, including the semifinals and final.
India defeated Sri Lanka in the 2023 final to win their eighth Asia Cup title. A similar arrangement happened during the Champions Trophy 2023, where Pakistan hosted the tournament but India played all its matches in the UAE under the hybrid model. Given this precedent, the Asia Cup 2025 could also follow the hybrid format.
India-Pakistan to Face Off Again
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ against Pakistan, and there were calls to boycott Pakistan in cricket tournaments. It was widely believed that the two teams might not meet in ICC or ACC events anytime soon. However, just a few days ago, the ICC released the schedule for the Women’s ODI World Cup this year and the Women’s T20 World Cup next year.
In both tournaments, dates for the India-Pakistan matches have already been announced. While India will host these tournaments, Pakistan’s team will play all their matches in Sri Lanka. This development has raised hopes that the Asia Cup 2025 can also be held, allowing fans to witness an India-Pakistan clash once again.
