With less than two months to go before the Asia Cup 2025, the tournament’s future is hanging by a thread. Political tensions, logistical hurdles, and unresolved venue disputes have left fans and broadcasters in suspense. Now, all eyes are on the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) crucial meeting scheduled to be held on July 25–26 in Dhaka, which is expected to determine whether the tournament goes ahead — and where.
BCCI Yet to Confirm Participation
Despite India being the official host, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not confirmed whether it will participate in the tournament. The delay stems from the Indian government’s clearance still pending amid diplomatic strain with Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
According to reports, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is yet to give the go-ahead for India’s participation in matches involving Pakistan. Without that approval, BCCI remains tight-lipped.
BCCI Unhappy with Dhaka as Venue
Adding another layer of complexity, the BCCI has raised objections to Dhaka being the venue for the ACC meeting, citing the ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh. Sources claim that India has formally requested the meeting be moved elsewhere and hinted at the possibility of boycotting the meeting altogether if the venue remains unchanged.
“Under the prevailing circumstances and political upheaval in Bangladesh, it wasn’t appropriate to travel. We’ve officially informed the ACC to shift the venue,” a BCCI source told Sports Tak.
Proposed Schedule: Start Sep 5, IND vs PAK on Sep 7
As per leaked reports, the Asia Cup 2025 is slated to begin on September 5, with the blockbuster India vs Pakistan clash expected on September 7 in Dubai. The final is proposed for September 21.
But all this remains provisional until the July meeting delivers clarity.
UAE as Backup Host
With India unlikely to host Pakistan on home soil, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is being considered as a neutral venue — a model previously used in the 2018 and 2022 editions. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are on standby to host the tournament under a hybrid or full-shift model.
Notably, promotional campaigns have already begun across Indian sports networks, though the ACC has not yet issued a formal fixture list.
What If the Asia Cup Is Cancelled?
In case the Asia Cup gets postponed or canceled, both India and Pakistan have alternative plans:
- BCCI may organize a tri-nation series involving Sri Lanka and another team during the same window.
- PCB has proposed a tri-series with Afghanistan and UAE in August, also in Dubai, if the Asia Cup falls through.
Why This Meeting Is Crucial
The July 25–26 ACC meeting could determine more than just dates — it could settle whether the tournament takes place at all.
With media partners like Sony Sports and sponsors such as TCM Sports Management voicing concerns over lost monetization time, the ACC is under immense pressure to make a final call.
“We believe that further delays may pose the risk of our partners claiming breaches of agreement and seeking discounts,” the ACC warned in its recent letter to the BCCI.
