With uncertainty looming over the Asia Cup 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has initiated talks to organize a tri-nation T20 series featuring Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This backup tournament is expected to be held in August in Dubai, especially if the Asia Cup is canceled or postponed.
Asia Cup 2025 Faces Roadblocks
The 2025 edition of the Asia Cup is officially scheduled to take place in India this September. However, under the current hybrid model—accepted earlier this year ahead of the Champions Trophy—Pakistan has made it clear that it will not travel to India. This geopolitical standoff has cast doubt over the feasibility of conducting the tournament as originally planned.
A source familiar with the matter stated:
“With the Asia Cup now unlikely to be held in India as originally planned in September due to the simmering relations between Pakistan and India, the PCB is working on another tri-series proposal. The idea is that if the Asia Cup is moved to the UAE, then Pakistan will play a tri-series with Afghanistan and the UAE in Dubai in August, replacing the Afghanistan tour to Pakistan.”
PCB’s Contingency Plan
The tri-nation series would replace the previously scheduled bilateral series between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Talks are already underway, and the PCB is reportedly in contact with both Afghanistan and UAE boards. The final structure of the series depends largely on the upcoming meeting of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), which is expected to discuss the future of the Asia Cup in the coming weeks.
Another source revealed:
“If the Asia Cup is cancelled or postponed, the PCB wants the Afghanistan and UAE teams to play the tri-series in Pakistan in August.”
Venue and Format Considerations
While the UAE is currently being considered as a potential neutral host for the Asia Cup itself, the proposed tri-series may also be staged there to align with climate conditions and logistical factors. Hosting the tri-series in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah would also offer preparation for teams under conditions similar to those anticipated in the Asia Cup and the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
ACC Decision Awaited
The Asian Cricket Council, led by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, is expected to hold a critical meeting soon. The Indian board has yet to formally confirm its intent to host the Asia Cup at home, and without a consensus, the tournament’s future remains uncertain.
“The Indian cricket board is yet to confirm its willingness to host the Asia Cup at home. So, it remains to be seen when the ACC council meets and makes a call on the future of the Asia Cup, which is to be held in the T20 format,” the source added.
Build-Up to Asia Cup 2025
Pakistan’s proposed tri-nation series with Afghanistan and UAE is not just a backup plan but also a strategic preparation opportunity ahead of the Asia Cup. If approved, it would provide valuable game-time and allow the PCB to assess squad depth and form.
Earlier reports also suggested Pakistan may tour Bangladesh in July for a three-match T20I series. That tour is expected to precede Pakistan’s scheduled visit to the West Indies, which includes both T20I and ODI matches.
Recent Asia Cup Recap
The last edition of the Asia Cup was held in 2023 under a similar hybrid model, with India playing all its matches in Sri Lanka and eventually winning the tournament. The final saw India defeat Sri Lanka in Colombo to lift the trophy in the ODI format.
With the 2025 edition set to follow the T20 format as a preparatory event for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, any delays or changes to the Asia Cup will significantly affect preparations for several participating nations.
