The countdown to the Asia Cup 2025 has officially begun, with the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match locked in for September 7. The tournament, which kicks off on September 5 in the UAE, will oversee a group stage round followed by the Super Fours format, setting the stage for a possible second showdown between the arch-rivals on September 14.
As per reports released by the Times of India, all participating nations, including the official hosts for the tournament, India, are close to receiving clearances from their respective governments to play in the tournament. While India remains the designated host for this year’s edition, all matches will be played in the UAE.
Despite several questions being raised about either side’s absence in the wake of the increased military tensions between India and Pakistan post Operation Sindoor, the tournament is going to take place as per the original schedule. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and the UAE will be the six nations participating in the upcoming tournament that will be played in the T20 format.
Promotional activities underway, Sony releases official poster
Sony, the official broadcaster for the Asia Cup, has begun promotional activities. A recently released poster features star players from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, signalling an early build-up to what promises to be one of the most viewed sporting events of the year.
Ahead of the tournament, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had dismissed the reports that talked about India pulling out of the Asia Cup in light of cross-border military tensions with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. He said, “News items concerning BCCI’s decision not to participate in the Asia Cup and Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, are devoid of any truth as till now, the BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the ensuing Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events, let alone writing anything to the ACC.”
The Asian Cricket Council further revealed that Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to be the official hosts for the next three editions of the tournament. The format will continue to alternate between T20 and ODI editions, with the 2027 tournament to be played in an ODI format and the subsequent one in T20.