A significant update has comes-out regarding the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025, following a crucial meeting between the BCCI, Asian Cricket Council (ACC), PCB, and other member boards. The meeting, held as scheduled, aimed to decide the fate of the tournament amid rising geopolitical tensions and recent security concerns.
Originally scheduled to be hosted in India, the Asia Cup 2025 faces uncertainty due to strained India-Pakistan relations following the Pahalgam attack. With calls mounting to boycott Pakistan in all global sporting events, including the Asia Cup and the upcoming World Cup, questions arose about whether the tournament would proceed as planned.
The BCCI refrained from making a definitive statement initially, indicating that a final decision would depend on consultations with the Indian government. However, hints emerged that India might relax its stance and participate alongside Pakistan in global events.
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BCCI’s Stand:
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saika dismissed rumors of boycotting Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, clarifying that no such decision had been made. The BCCI also confirmed its participation in the ACC meeting via a virtual platform from Dhaka, signaling ongoing engagement with the cricketing authorities.
Tournament Schedule and Venue:
While the Asia Cup 2025 was initially slated to start on September 5 in India, recent reports suggest the tournament could now be held from September 8 to 28.
The venue remains uncertain; India’s refusal to host Pakistan has opened the possibility of Dubai or the UAE stepping in as alternative hosts. Given the agreement between India and Pakistan not to play in each other’s countries, the move to the UAE seems increasingly likely.
Participating Teams and Format:
The tournament will feature eight teams: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, UAE, Hong Kong, and Oman. The format will consist of two stages: a group stage with two pools of four teams and a subsequent Super 4 phase, where the top teams will compete for a spot in the final. The final match will determine the champion of Asia Cup 2025.
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With India and Pakistan likely to be placed in the same group, multiple high-voltage clashes are expected during the group stage, Super 4, and possibly the final. The BCCI is expected to announce the tournament schedule shortly, with the ACC following suit. ACC Chairman Mohsin Maqvi confirmed that the BCCI will provide details about the Asia Cup 2025 schedule in the coming days.