With just weeks left before the scheduled start of the Asia Cup 2025, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has formally reached out to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), urging them to confirm Team India’s participation and finalize the tournament schedule. The delay, according to sources, is putting serious pressure on broadcasters and sponsors, who fear major financial losses if things don’t move quickly.
Sponsors Worried, Broadcasters Anxious
According to multiple reports, including those from India Today and The Tribune Pakistan, the ACC has sent official communications to the BCCI, warning of potential legal and commercial risks. The broadcasters, especially Sony Sports, and sponsorship partners like TCM, are growing impatient due to the lack of clarity.
In an email accessed by India Today, the ACC told the BCCI:
“We have been informed that in the absence of this information, their ability to plan effectively, allocate resources, and execute their campaigns is significantly constrained.”
The ACC also cited binding agreements that come into effect 60 to 90 days before the tournament begins.
“Our sponsorship rights partner, TCM, has outlined significant commercial concerns, particularly regarding the timelines required for effective monetization and activation planning,” the ACC said in the letter.
With other ICC and international events already confirmed, the pressure is mounting.
“We believe any further delays could potentially expose us to claims of breach of agreement from our partners, who may seek compensation or request discounts as a result,” the ACC added.
Dates Uncertain, But Pressure Is Real
The Asia Cup 2025 is expected to take place in September in the T20 format. While Times of India reports the dates to be September 5–21, The Tribune Pakistan claims the tournament will run from September 12 to 28.
Sources have also confirmed that the India vs Pakistan clash — the most anticipated fixture — is likely to be held on September 7 in Dubai, the same venue where both teams met in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 earlier this year.
India are the defending champions, having crushed Sri Lanka in the 2023 final, and fans are eagerly waiting to see if another chapter of the India-Pakistan rivalry unfolds.
India’s Participation “Confirmed” – But Not Officially
Despite the silence from Indian officials, reports in Pakistani media claim that the BCCI has privately assured broadcasters that India will take part in the tournament. However, no official word has come out publicly yet.
Responding to speculation, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told Times of India:
“The Asia Cup matter or any other ACC event issue has not come up for discussion at any level. Till now, BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding ensuing ACC events. At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and the subsequent England series.”
This statement has only added more confusion, as internal reports suggest that discussions are indeed taking place behind closed doors.
Why This Delay Matters
The Asia Cup is not just another tournament — it’s the biggest money-spinner for the ACC, especially because of the India vs Pakistan rivalry. Sony holds the media rights from 2024 to 2031 in a deal worth $170 million. If India decides not to play, the tournament could be derailed altogether.
The situation is made even more complex because the ACC is currently chaired by Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). That change in leadership from former ACC President Jay Shah (now ICC Chairman) has raised eyebrows, especially considering the current political tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s military response through Operation Sindoor.
What Happens Now?
According to sources quoted by Sports Tak, the ACC wants the BCCI to finalize its decision by the first week of July so that planning, ticketing, promotions, and broadcasting schedules can be set into motion.
While the official venue remains undecided, all signs point toward UAE as the most likely location under a hybrid or fully neutral model.
