The cloud of uncertainty surrounding the Asia Cup 2025 appears to be finally lifting, with fresh reports suggesting the tournament will be hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 8 to 28. The matches are likely to be held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, according to a report by ARY News.
This development follows weeks of speculation and diplomatic discussions involving the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), and comes ahead of the upcoming ACC Annual General Meeting in Dhaka, where the final decision is expected to be formalized.
UAE Confirmed as Host, Awaiting Official Seal
According to the ARY report, senior ACC officials and cricket boards have reached an informal consensus to shift the Asia Cup 2025 to UAE — a venue previously used for hosting major events including IPL and Asia Cup 2022.
While no formal announcement has been made yet, sources close to the ACC suggest that the UAE plan has strong support from key stakeholders including the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and BCCI. The official confirmation is expected following the ACC AGM in Dhaka this week.
Eight Teams to Feature in the Tournament
The Asia Cup 2025 will feature eight participating teams, including five full ICC members and three qualifiers:
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
- Afghanistan
- UAE (host & qualifier)
- Oman
- Hong Kong
The tournament is expected to follow a 50-over ODI format, in line with the ICC Champions Trophy preparation schedule.
Political Tensions Loom Over India vs Pakistan Clash
While the venue and schedule appear nearly finalized, the biggest talking point remains the possibility of an India vs Pakistan showdown.
Following recent tensions between the two countries — especially after the Pahalgam terror attacks and India’s Operation Sindoor — public and political resistance to any sporting engagement with Pakistan has grown in India.
In a recent example, the much-hyped India Champions vs Pakistan Champions match at the World Championship of Legends was abruptly cancelled amid backlash. Several prominent Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, and Irfan Pathan, had withdrawn from the fixture just days before the match.
If political resistance continues, the high-stakes Indo-Pak clash may be in jeopardy — unless the teams meet naturally in the Super 4s or the final.
India’s Virtual Presence at Dhaka AGM
Interestingly, while other ACC members are expected to attend the Dhaka meeting in person, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to participate virtually. The BCCI’s final stance on whether India will play against Pakistan is expected to be clarified during or after the AGM.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who currently serves as the President of the ACC, will be chairing the meeting. His role will be key in ensuring a balanced and peaceful resolution that keeps the cricketing calendar intact while navigating diplomatic sensitivities.
What’s Next?
With the countdown officially underway, cricket fans across Asia are eager for clarity. While the venue and dates are mostly locked in, the broader question remains:
Will India and Pakistan face each other on UAE soil in Asia Cup 2025, or will politics once again override cricket?
Stay tuned as the ACC AGM in Dhaka may offer the final answers.
