The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi is reportedly working on a plan to shift the upcoming Asia Cup matches from India to the UAE in a bid to avoid cancellation amid the India-Pakistan stand-off. Ever since the recent military escalation, which started in early May, tensions between the two neighbours have been at their peak. India will be the official host of this tournament, but given the grim political climate, a cloud of uncertainty looms over the future of the tournament. 

To ensure the tournament proceeds as planned, the ACC President is exploring alternatives for a neutral venue where both India and Pakistan can face off. For the moment, the UAE appears to be a viable option and is in contention to host the upcoming Asia Cup tournament. Should the need arise, Sri Lanka is also being considered as a backup venue.

See also: Pakistan cricket at risk of ₹220 crore loss over India’s Asia Cup exit: Reports

ACC officials hopeful that the tournament will go as planned 

As per the latest reports from Forbes, a final decision on the venue change will be made at the ICC’s Annual General Meeting in Singapore next month. India's participation in the Asia Cup has been open to debate following the Pahalgam terror attacks that claimed the lives of 26 civilians. India accused Pakistan of sponsoring terrorism and launched a counter-offensive dubbed "Operation Sindoor" to avenge the loss of innocent civilians.  

Since then, the diplomatic relationship between the two countries has hit rock bottom, thus fueling the possibility of India withdrawing from the tournament. But fortunately, such notions have been put to rest by the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. In his recent interaction with Sportstar, Saikia denied claims of India opting out of the tournament and insisted that a call has not been taken on this matter so far.

“Such news is devoid of any truth as till now, BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the ensuing ACC events, let alone writing anything to the ACC (Asian Cricket Council). At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and subsequent England series, both men and women." 

The UAE has previously played host to earlier editions of the Asia Cup. Back in 2022, the tournament was staged in a T20 format in which both India and Pakistan clashed twice. It is certainly plausible that the vibe of the 2022 Asia Cup edition could repeat itself. Moreover, the ICC has also approached the UAE to stage a number of ICC events before on an emergency basis, the most recent of which was the Women's T20I World Cup last year. 

With the 2025 Asia Cup hanging in limbo due to mounting political tensions between India and Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has initiated talks to organize a tri-nation T20I series in August involving Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). If the Asia Cup is cancelled or moved from India, the PCB is taking this proactive measure to guarantee competitive cricket for the national team.

The 2025 Asia Cup, scheduled to be played in September in the T20 format, was initially awarded to India as the host nation. However, following a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir and the subsequent diplomatic fallout between the two nations, the tournament’s fate has grown increasingly uncertain. Pakistan, adhering to the hybrid model it had accepted earlier this year, had made it clear that it would not travel to India, just as India had refused to tour Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy.

The PCB is reportedly looking into other options in the midst of this uncertainty; according to sources, a tri-series involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE is being considered. Afghanistan's initially planned bilateral tour of Pakistan is expected to be replaced by a series in August, which will take place in Dubai. “The idea is that if the Asia Cup is moved to the UAE, then Pakistan will play a tri-series with Afghanistan and the UAE in Dubai,” a source within the PCB told PTI.

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Tri-Series in UAE Gains Traction as Asia Cup 2025 Remains in Doubt

Furthermore, discussions have already been initiated between the cricket boards of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE, with the UAE emerging as the most feasible venue due to favorable weather and logistical conditions. Hosting the series in the Gulf nation would also serve as a dress rehearsal should the Asia Cup be relocated there.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), is expected to convene a council meeting soon to determine the Asia Cup’s future. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), however, has yet to confirm whether it will host the tournament on home soil or agree to the alternate venue.

Meanwhile, separate talks are also underway between the PCB and the Bangladesh Cricket Board to finalize a three-match T20I series in July, potentially giving Pakistan back-to-back international assignments ahead of the West Indies tour. If confirmed, the tri-nation tournament could play a vital role in Pakistan’s preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, while also offering valuable exposure to the participating teams in high-pressure conditions.

The 2025 Asia Cup, originally scheduled to take place in India, is on the brink of being shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in September this year, according to several sources known with the matter. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is said to make a final decision soon, with all signs suggesting the UAE as the alternative venue.

The move, necessitated mainly by unabating geopolitical rivalries between India and Pakistan, would follow similar precedents in which neutral sites have been selected to facilitate the smooth holding of matches between the two countries. Though India will technically continue to be the host on paper, the tournament stands a very strong chance of being hosted in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, all of which have a storied history of international cricket hosting.

According to a three-year deal between the boards of India and Pakistan, games featuring the two great foes are to be hosted at neutral sites. The UAE, which successfully held the T20 World Cup in 2021 and earlier Asia Cups, presents a politically neutral and logistically viable choice for the high-profile tournament.

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Tri-Nation Series and Asia Cup Will Give Boost to UAE's Cricket Calendar

To be played in the T20 format, the 2025 Asia Cup will serve as a key build-up tournament for the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026. The tournament will consist of eight teams and a total of 19 matches to be played in two weeks. While Sri Lanka was once tentatively discussed as a potential alternative hosting option, the UAE's more advanced infrastructure, experience, and climate conditions in September also seem to have swung the decision its way.

Along with the congested Emirates cricket calendar, sources have also suggested that a three-nation T20I series between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE is on the cards. The series would replace the initially planned bilateral series between Pakistan and Afghanistan, providing all three teams with good game practice before the Asia Cup. A formal announcement by the ACC is imminent, but for the moment, all indications are that once again, a high-profile tournament will find a temporary home in the desert dunes of the UAE.

In a major setback for regional cricket, India has apparently decided against participating in the 2025 Men's Asia Cup, putting Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) finances under tremendous pressure. If true, the decision can potentially cost the PCB as much as ₹220 crore, with the impact likely to be felt by broadcasters, sponsors, and surrounding cricket boards too.

As per various Indian media reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially notified the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) of its choice, quoting increasing political tensions and protesting against Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the chairman of the PCB, heading the ACC. This increase is a fresh low in India-Pakistan cricket relations. Though the two teams haven't played a bilateral series for more than a decade, India's possible boycott of a multi-country tournament is being interpreted as an unprecedented move.

India's withdrawal can cost PCB dearly, jeopardizing Asia Cup revenues and future ambitions

The money at stake is enormous. Indian participation in ACC and ICC competitions generates an estimated ₹165–220 crore ($20–26 million) for each cycle for the PCB. Most of this comes from India-Pakistan matches, cricket's most-viewed encounters, generating record broadcast rights and advertising premiums. The Asia Cup broadcast rights, which were sold to Sony Pictures Networks India for a record $170 million for the 2024–2032 cycle, might now be negotiable. Without India participating, the tournament's sheen and its financial worth could plummet.

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Every full member of the ACC is now entitled to 15% of the broadcast revenue from the tournament. A declining pool of revenue would affect Pakistan most, particularly in the wake of the financial beating suffered from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

The PCB had spent more than PKR 14 billion to enhance stadiums for the Champions Trophy, anticipating a big return. But India's refusal to tour Pakistan meant that the final had to be moved to Dubai. The outcome? Out-of-pocket losses of more than PKR 7 billion, with PCB now running on an overdraft of PKR 3–6 billion. While the board insists it made a PKR 3 billion profit from the event and claims fee cuts were part of a planned restructuring, it has begun trimming player match fees and domestic cricket budgets. Payment delays to players and officials have also raised eyebrows.

India’s absence puts the Asia Cup at risk, leaving regional teams and sponsors in uncertainty

India's withdrawal would also affect Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, which depend on Indian audiences for sponsorships and advertising revenue. Without India, the viability of the Asia Cup is in jeopardy. Broadcasters and sponsors might withdraw, and the women's event might meet the same fate. India has reportedly also withdrawn from the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup in June in Sri Lanka.

Beyond balance sheets, India’s absence would reduce global exposure for Pakistani players, limit sponsorship interest, and dent PCB’s digital reach, which is heavily dependent on Indian viewership. A BCCI official was quoted as saying, “The Indian team can't play in a tournament that is organised by the ACC, whose chief is a Pakistani minister. That's the sentiment of the nation.” Politically, the tensions have strained cricket relations previously, most prominently in 2023 when a hybrid model for the Asia Cup was devised following India's refusal to compete in Pakistan. However, an outright withdrawal from ACC events marks an aggressive posture.

The 2025 Men's Asia Cup, scheduled in T20 format as a lead-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup, hangs in the balance with this most recent standoff potentially having the tournament canceled or severely diluted. Until then, cricketing fraternity waits for confirmation. But if India stands its ground, the future of PCB and Asian cricket on the whole looks bleak on and off the cricket field.

After the recent war tension between India and Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a big decision and decided to withdraw from the upcoming Asia Cup. The BCCI has informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) about its decision to withdraw from the Women's Emerging Team Asia Cup and Men's Asia Cup to be held in September. According to the reports, this decision of the BCCI is part of the effort to isolate Pakistan cricket. Currently, the ACC is headed by Mohsin Naqvi of Pakistan, who is also the President of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

A BCCI source stated that the Indian team would not participate in a tournament organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), citing that the ACC is headed by a Pakistani minister, which touches upon national sentiments. The source also went onto mention that they had verbally informed the ACC about India’s withdrawal from the upcoming Women’s Emerging Team Asia Cup and that future participation in ACC events has also been put on hold. They added that the BCCI is in constant communication with the Indian government regarding the matter.

 "The Indian team cannot play in a tournament that is organized by the ACC and whose head is a Pakistani minister. This matter is related to the sentiments of the country. We have verbally informed the ACC about our withdrawal from the upcoming Women's Emerging Team Asia Cup and our future participation in their events has also been put on hold. We are in constant touch with the Government of India," BCCI source said.

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🚨 INDIA OPTS OUT FROM ASIA CUP. 🚨

- The BCCI decides to not participate in the upcoming Asia Cup. (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/DARU2lameb

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 19, 2025

Asia Cup may be postponed

The BCCI's strong stance has cast uncertainty over the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India in September. With major teams like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka participating, sources suggest the tournament may be postponed. The BCCI reportedly understands that the Asia Cup cannot proceed without India, given the heavy reliance on Indian sponsors and the massive viewership draw of an India-Pakistan clash, which is vital for broadcasters and overall tournament success.

Following the recent terrorist attack in India, there has been growing public sentiment demanding a complete sporting boycott of Pakistan, including in ICC events. Many have also raised concerns about India facing Pakistan in international tournaments, with calls for the two nations to be placed in separate groups to avoid direct matchups. This escalating pressure further complicates the scheduling and structuring of future multi-nation cricket events, particularly those involving both countries.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the ongoing IPL 2025 season because of the rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision was made after a virtual meeting with top BCCI officials on Thursday night, following talks with government representatives.

IPL 2025 Suspended and Asia Cup Likely Canceled Due to Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan

The main reason for suspending the tournament is to avoid the bad image it could create in the current situation. Many overseas players and coaches also felt uncomfortable continuing to play with things the way they are.

The remaining matches, including 13 league games and 4 playoff matches, will be rescheduled later in the year. However, India’s cricket team is going on to tour of England for five Test matches in June and July, the next chance for the IPL 2025 to resume may not be until after the monsoon season. The BCCI will prioritize the IPL over other cricket events due to the tournament’s commercial value, and they will need to coordinate with other cricket boards to manage the availability of overseas players.

🚨 IPL 2025 RESCHEDULING. 🚨

- The remaining part of IPL 2025 could be played after the India Vs England Test series. (TOI). pic.twitter.com/98X1pndZre

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 9, 2025

ALSO READ: IPL 2025 is suspended amid India-Pakistan tensions

This situation is similar to what happened in 2021, when the IPL was postponed due to COVID-19 and was later completed in the UAE. A BCCI source said, “We have decided to suspend the IPL indefinitely. The safety of players is our top priority. Right now, national interest comes first, and we’ll decide later when the tournament can resume.”

Additionally, the Asia Cup, which was set for August and September, is likely to be canceled because of the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. This will be another draw back to the cricket calendar.

With tensions between India and Pakistan rising after the Pahalgam terror attack, it is now very likely that the 2025 Asia Cup will be cancelled. The strained diplomatic relations now severely jeopardise the future of the tournament. The deadly attack, which caused the death of a reported 26 civilians, worsened already-strained bilateral relations between these two countries. Now the terror attack has caught the attention of the world, and with constituents drawing borders down the line of each country's relationship histories, the question of whether or not the Asia Cup is a viable event becomes incredibly sensitive, as both countries are scheduled to participate in the Asia Regional Cup.

In an immediate response to the Pahalgam attack and its ramifications towards Pakistan, the government of India instituted immediate acts of diplomacy. The government of India was one of the first to suspend the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, which was a long-standing agreement with regards to water-sharing between the two countries; and once this was completed, it then stopped all visa services for Pakistan nationals. The turning of hearts and minds, the seriousness of the government regarding cross-border terrorism towards the sub-continent, was already in clear perspective.

With the apparent crackdown, a group of Pakistani citizens living in India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) were ordered to leave within 48 hours of the terror attack, and there was a fresh restriction on the travel for Pakistani nationals to enter India (under the VISA exemption scheme). The diplomatic action that followed calls into serious question whether or not the Asia Cup can actually go ahead - and in the broader context, what about the future of regional sporting events involving both India and Pakistan peacefully co-existing?

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India and Pakistan last played in the Champions Trophy 2025

The strained relationship between India and Pakistan continues to impact cricket significantly. The two nations haven’t played a bilateral series since the 2012-13 season, and their last Test series dates back to 2007. India has not toured Pakistan since 2008. Earlier this year, despite Pakistan being the official host of the Champions Trophy, India played all their matches in the UAE. Since bilateral cricket was suspended, the two sides have only clashed in ICC events and Asia Cups.

Their most recent encounter was in the Champions Trophy, where India emerged victorious and went on to win the tournament. However, given the ongoing political tensions, another India-Pakistan face-off in this year’s Asia Cup now seems very unlikely.

India vs Pakistan May Clash Three Times in Asia Cup 2025
Cricket enthusiasts are thrilled as India and Pakistan may clash with each other thrice in the Asia Cup 2025. The tournament is likely to be conducted in September 2025 with a T20 format. The competition will feature eight teams: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong.
Possible Match Scenarios
The tournament structure implies that India and Pakistan will be in the same group. They will, therefore, play against each other at least once in the group stages. If both teams make it to the Super Four stage, they will play again. Furthermore, if both teams make it to the final, they will play each other for a third time in the competition.

ASIA CUP 2025 UPDATES: [Cricbuzz]

- T20I format.
- 8 teams (IND, PAK, SL, BAN, AFG, Oman, UAE, HK)
- 19 games.
- India vs Pakistan could potentially play 3 times.
- UAE or SL as venues.
- September 2nd week to 4th week pic.twitter.com/bb4BiOFhmX

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 27, 2025

Venue Considerations
As a result of political rivalry between India and Pakistan, the matches will be played at neutral grounds. Sri Lanka and the UAE are being considered by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) as potential venues. This comes after other tournaments where India and Pakistan played on neutral grounds in order to circumvent travel restrictions and security issues.

ALSO READ:Asia Cup 2025: A Cricketing Spectacle Awaits

Historical Rivalry
India and Pakistan have a long history of cricket in the Asia Cup. They have played 19 matches in the competition so far, with India winning 10 matches and Pakistan winning 7 matches. Two matches did not yield a result. Their matches are always high-stakes and are watched by millions of viewers globally.

Cricket lovers, fasten your seatbelts! The Asia Cup 2025 is all geared up to host scintillating T20 action, with the continent's best teams. Here's what you should know about the tournament.
Tournament Format & Teams
T20 Format: Quick-fire, high-intensity matches.
8 Teams: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Oman, UAE, and Hong Kong.
19 Matches: Lots of exciting matches lined up!

ASIA CUP 2025 UPDATES: [Cricbuzz]

- T20I format.
- 8 teams (IND, PAK, SL, BAN, AFG, Oman, UAE, HK)
- 19 games.
- India vs Pakistan could potentially play 3 times.
- UAE or SL as venues.
- September 2nd week to 4th week pic.twitter.com/bb4BiOFhmX

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 27, 2025

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When & Where?
The tournament will be held in September (2nd to 4th week).
As of now, the venue is not decided but Sri Lanka or UAE are likely to host the event.
India vs Pakistan: A Dream Rivalry!
One of the highlights of this tournament is that India and Pakistan are likely to feature up to three times a group stage once, then the Super Four, and perhaps even once in the final! Cricketing fans could hardly wish for anything more!
Why Is This Asia Cup Important?
This tournament will provide an excellent chance for teams to finalize their squads in preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup. It will also be a stage for emerging stars to make their presence felt on the global stage.
What's Next?
The official schedule, venues, and fixtures will be announced by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) soon. Until then, everyone waits with bated breath for this much-awaited tournament, which guarantees edge-of-the-seat action!

We just experienced an India vs Pakistan cricket match during Group A of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which India comfortably won with dominating performances in every challenge. While the tournament is still running, another India vs Pakistan cricket match is waiting for this calendar year.

Recently, India have mostly dominated against Pakistan in any format of cricket. In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India claimed a six-wicket win against the defending champions Pakistan last Sunday (February 23).

While the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is running in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, which will run till March 9, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is eyeing to work on the schedule for the Asia Cup 2025, which will run in a T20I format. 

See Also: Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Nightmare: A Tournament to Forget!

Know about the next Asia Cup tournaments

For the ongoing cycle, ending in 2031, we are yet to experience four men's Asia Cup tournaments, two in the T20I formats (2025 and 2029) and two in ODI formats (2027 and 2031). The Asia Cup T20I is set to run with eight teams from 2025, while the remaining Asia Cup ODIs in the ongoing cycle are planned with six teams. The upcoming T20 editions will run with 19 matches each, and the upcoming ODI editions will run with 13 matches each. 

India will be the hosts for the Asia Cup 2025, while Pakistan has the hosting rights for the next T20 Asia Cup in 2029. Meanwhile, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will host the next two ODI Asia Cups in 2027 and 2031, respectively. At least for the ongoing cycle, ACC has reportedly decided to follow neutral venues when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have the hosting rights for the tournament. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) or Sri Lanka has the better chance to host the Asia Cup 2025, under the hosting rights of the BCCI. 

India vs Pakistan match can be played three more times in 2025

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was the first India vs Pakistan match in international cricket in 2025. Although Pakistan are already out of the tournament and India are ready for the Semi-finals in the ongoing ICC tournament, they can meet thrice during the Asia Cup 2025. In the Asia Cup 2025, India and Pakistan are in the same group along with two other qualifiers. If both India and Pakistan qualify, they can face each other in the Super Fours and the Final of the tournament.

The ACC has chosen September for the Asia Cup 2025. According to Cricbuzz news, the Asia Cup 2025 can run between the second and the fourth week of September.