With the Asia Cup 2025 just weeks away, uncertainty continues to loom over India’s participation, prompting the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to formally write to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). In a strongly worded letter, the ACC raised concerns from broadcasters and sponsors over potential commercial losses due to the delay in finalizing the tournament’s schedule.
Schedule Still Not Finalized as Clock Ticks
Although the Asia Cup is tentatively scheduled for September and October 2025 and expected to be played in the T20 format, the BCCI has yet to confirm whether Team India will participate. This indecision is reportedly causing unrest among the ACC’s commercial partners, who fear missed monetization opportunities as planning windows shrink.
An excerpt from the ACC’s letter reads:
“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 further explained the contractual pressures facing its rights partners — particularly Sony Sports (media rights) and TCM Sports Management (sponsorships).
“The media rights partner has highlighted obligations under the Agreement which commence 60 and 90 days prior to the commencement of the 2025 Tournament… Further delays could result in missed commercial opportunities that may not be recoverable due to existing scheduling and lead-time limitations.”
Commercial Stakes and Strategic Timing
The Asia Cup serves as a key revenue-generating event for the ACC. The men’s edition of the tournament is its flagship property, drawing millions of viewers — especially when India and Pakistan clash.
As such, the letter warned that any additional delay in confirming India’s role in the competition might constitute a breach of agreements:
“We believe that further delays may pose the risk of our partners claiming breaches of Agreement and seeking discount.”
With major ICC tournaments also scheduled on the calendar, the window for preparation and promotion is tightening, putting further pressure on the ACC and BCCI to finalize logistics.
Geopolitical Tensions Cast a Long Shadow
India’s hesitation stems from ongoing political tensions with Pakistan, particularly in the aftermath of the April Pahalgam terror attack and India’s Operation Sindoor in May. These developments have reignited public and political discourse around boycotting bilateral or multilateral sporting ties with Pakistan.
Despite the charged environment, there has been no official confirmation of a boycott. Both teams last met in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium, where India defeated Pakistan convincingly by six wickets. The match was held at a neutral venue, and a similar setup is being discussed for the Asia Cup 2025.
Host Nation Status Still Up in the Air
Though India is officially listed as the host for Asia Cup 2025, the tournament is increasingly likely to be held in the UAE or under a hybrid model — as was the case in 2023. In that edition, Pakistan served as host, but all of India’s matches were held in Sri Lanka due to political constraints.
Sources told Sports Tak that ACC is hoping to finalize the tournament schedule by the first week of July. This would require an immediate response from the BCCI regarding India’s commitment to the tournament and whether they are willing to play Pakistan under a neutral setup.
ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Writes to BCCI Directly
As per a fresh report from Times Now, the Asian Cricket Council’s latest letter was directly sent under the leadership of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who currently heads the ACC. This new communication reaffirms concerns over commercial risks, with both Sony and TCM pushing for urgent clarity. The report also suggests that a formal response from BCCI could come as early as next week. Notably, a teaser for the Asia Cup aired during the 1st Test between India and England, although dates and venues were not disclosed.
A Decision Imminent?
While India remains the defending champion, having won the 2023 edition in ODI format, its role in this year’s Asia Cup remains unclear. However, the urgency in ACC’s communication suggests that a decision from BCCI is not just expected — it is necessary.
A BCCI insider told Indian media, “No final decision has been taken yet regarding participation. However, we are aware of the urgency and are in communication with ACC officials.”
As the cricketing world watches closely, especially fans eager for another high-stakes India vs Pakistan clash, the coming days are expected to bring clarity on whether the continent’s biggest rivalry will light up the Asia Cup once again.
