Despite tensions after the Pahalgam attack, BCCI refutes withdrawal rumours; UAE emerges as top contender to host the T20-format tournament.
New Delhi, June 29:
The much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 is likely to commence on September 10, with both India and Pakistan expected to participate, according to a report by Cricbuzz. The news comes amid speculation about India pulling out of the tournament following the Pahalgam terror attack, which had escalated political and security concerns across the subcontinent.
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The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is reportedly optimistic and expected to release the tournament schedule in the first week of July. The tournament will return to the T20 format, in alignment with the ICC World T20 cycle.
🔹 Key Details:
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- Tentative Start Date: September 10, 2025
- Format: T20
- Likely Host: UAE, under a hybrid model due to India-Pakistan bilateral restrictions
- Participating Teams: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE
🔸 India-Pakistan Tensions Cast Shadow
Post the June Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, several political voices in India had called for a boycott of matches with Pakistan, including those in multilateral events like the Asia Cup or ICC tournaments. The sentiment intensified following India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoK.
However, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed reports of a pullout as “speculative and imaginary,” clarifying that “the matter of Asia Cup participation has not come up for discussion at any level.”
🔹 Neutral Venue Still a Focal Point
Although India was originally the designated host for this edition of the Asia Cup, the ACC had earlier resolved that in case of political tensions between India and Pakistan, the tournament would be moved to a neutral venue. The UAE, which has hosted previous editions, remains the frontrunner due to its infrastructure and neutrality.
🔸 Looking Ahead
If the plan goes through, fans will once again witness the iconic India vs Pakistan showdown, albeit in a neutral setting. The formal announcement of fixtures and venue is expected early July, and final approval will likely hinge on diplomatic clearance and security evaluations.
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Asia Cup 2025, India Pakistan Cricket, UAE Asia Cup Host, BCCI News, ACC Cricket Schedule, India vs Pakistan T20, Operation Sindoor, Pahalgam Attack Cricket Impact, T20 Cricket News, Asia Cup Schedule 2025