Asia Cup 2025: ACC Targets Early September Start Amid Easing Tensions

Asia Cup 2025: ACC Eyes September Start Amid Growing Optimism

The Asia Cup saga may be nearing a resolution. While it's too early to declare a definitive outcome for the continental championship, a renewed sense of optimism surrounds the tournament, a stark contrast to the previous uncertainty fueled by tensions between India and Pakistan.

While firm decisions are pending, indications suggest a formal announcement could be made next week. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) anticipates releasing the schedule for the six-team tournament in early July, coinciding with a planned meeting.

India were champions of the previous edition of the Asia Cup in 2023 © Getty

If everything proceeds smoothly, the ACC is reportedly aiming for a September start, with September 10 as the potential launch date for the T20 format tournament. Alongside India and Pakistan, the participating nations are expected to be Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the UAE. Promotional activities for the tournament are already underway.

The UAE remains the leading contender to host the event, although a hybrid format is also under consideration. While India is the designated host, the ACC previously decided that when India or Pakistan are scheduled to host the Asia Cup, the tournament would be held at a neutral venue.

The tournament faced uncertainty following the terror attack in Pahalgam in April. The situation further deteriorated after India launched Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May, casting significant doubt on the tournament's viability. There were also increasing calls within India to boycott Pakistan in multilateral events, given India's existing policy of not engaging in bilateral cricket with Pakistan. Discussions regarding a potential Indian boycott of Pakistan in global events were even rumored for the next ICC meeting.

However, recent developments in international cricket suggest a shift in direction. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released schedules for two major global events: the Women's ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, and the Women's T20 World Cup in England. India and Pakistan are scheduled to compete against each other in both tournaments – on October 5 in Colombo and on June 14 at Edgbaston.

Although no official statements have been made by the BCCI, ACC, or ICC, it appears that cricketing ties between the two rivals will continue, at least in global tournaments. These matches are crucial revenue streams for global cricket. While India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are not necessarily dependent on the revenue generated from these high-profile encounters, governing bodies like the ICC, the ACC, and their member boards rely on them heavily.