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.

Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu was given a formal warning after violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the recent Sri Lanka tri-series. The offense was committed in a high-scoring group stage game against South Africa in Colombo, in which the Proteas emerged victorious. Athapaththu was penalized 10 percent of her match fee and issued one demerit point for her conduct, which was her first offense within a span of 24 months. The infringement was in terms of an emotional outburst that resulted in the damage of her equipment, underscoring the ICC's no-nonsense approach to keeping its players in line during international competitions.

The incident directly contravened Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with the "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during an international match." The incident occurred in the 32nd over of South Africa's innings when Athapaththu, having conceded a four to Annerie Dercksen, took off her sunglasses and crushed them on the ground, shattering them into pieces. The offense was charged by on-field umpires Anna Harris and Dedunu de Silva, third umpire Lyndon Hannibal, and fourth umpire Nimali Perera, who together reported the infringement.

Athapaththu pleaded the offense and accepted Michelle Pereira of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees' suggested sanctions, precluding the requirement for a hearing. Level 1 offenses, as defined by the ICC, have punishments that range from a formal reprimand to a maximum of 50 percent of a player's match fee, with one or two demerit points. This event is a reminder of staying calm under fire, especially for a captain commanding her side on home ground.

Tri-Series Outcome and Context

The tri-series, which was held in Sri Lanka, ended with India being the champions after beating the hosts by 97 runs in the last match. There were competitive games in the tournament, and the win of South Africa against Sri Lanka in the group stages proved the level of competition. Athapaththu's disciplinary failure, although significant, could not eclipse her performance as a player and a leader throughout the series.

Sri Lanka skipper finds herself in trouble following her actions in the tri-series at home 👀

Read more ⬇️https://t.co/c76hBKyKEz

— ICC (@ICC) May 12, 2025

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India's triumph was marked by standout individual performances, such as Smriti Mandhana's century in the final, putting her in an elite list alongside Mithali Raj in Indian cricket history. For Sri Lanka, the tournament served as useful experience, while Athapaththu's incident highlighted the importance of avoiding professional lapses, particularly in high-pressure matches under the eyes of global regulations.

The 2025 Tri-Nation Series is a highly anticipated cricket competition between Afghanistan A, Ireland Wolves, and Sri Lanka A. The competition will take place in the UAE, more precisely in the Sheikh Zayed Stadium of Abu Dhabi, from April 13 to May 2, 2025. Since the competition brings fans of cricket from across the globe, it is very important for viewers to know where and how they can watch live matches.

Match Schedule:

Here’s a quick look at the match schedule for the tournament:

1. April 13, 2025: Sri Lanka A vs Ireland Wolves
2. April 15, 2025: Sri Lanka A vs Afghanistan A
3. April 19, 2025: Sri Lanka A vs Ireland Wolves
4. April 23, 2025: Sri Lanka A vs Afghanistan A
5. April 25, 2025: Final match (Top two teams)

Streaming Information:
The media rights for the 2025 Tri-Nation Series in the UAE have been acquired by some of the largest sports media networks, allowing more fans across the world to be able to view their favorite teams play.

2025 Tri-Nation Series in UAE: Broadcasting Details

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a Women's One-Day tri-series between India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. The competition will be held in April and May at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

This tri-series will ready all three sides for the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup. The teams will have four matches each, and the first two teams on the table will be ready to go into the final on May 11. All matches will be day games.

Post-tri-series, Indian women will visit England for a tour comprising five T20Is and three ODIs in June-July.

Tri-Series Fixture List:

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🚨 TRI SERIES IS BACK FOR INDIA 🚨

- India, Sri Lanka & South Africa will play a Women's ODI Tri series in April-May 2025. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/HdH78zODSJ

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 6, 2025

Currently, Indian players are competing in the Women's Premier League (WPL), which started on February 14 and will conclude on March 15.

This tri-series promises exciting matches and will be an important step in preparing for the upcoming World Cup.