Asia Cup 2025: ACC Targets September Launch Amid Growing Optimism After Tensions

The Asia Cup saga may be nearing a resolution. While it remains somewhat early to make definitive conclusions, a growing sense of optimism surrounds the staging of the continental championship. This marks a significant shift from the prior uncertainty, largely fueled by tensions between India and Pakistan.

While concrete decisions are pending, indications suggest a formal announcement could arrive next week. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is reportedly aiming to release the schedule for the six-team tournament in the first week of July, coinciding with its expected convention.

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

The ACC is reportedly targeting a September start, specifically the second week. The T20 format tournament is tentatively scheduled to commence on September 10. Besides India and Pakistan, participating teams are expected to include 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. However, discussions are ongoing regarding a potential hybrid format. Although India is the designated host this year, the ACC had previously stipulated that when it is India or Pakistan's turn to host the Asia Cup, the tournament should be held at a neutral venue, given the existing geopolitical complexities.

The tournament's future was clouded following the terror attack in Pahalgam in April. Tensions further escalated after India launched Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May, raising serious doubts about the event. There were also increased calls within India to boycott Pakistan in multilateral events. Currently, India does not engage in bilateral cricket with Pakistan. Concerns were even raised that India's potential boycott of Pakistan in global events might be discussed at the next ICC meeting.

However, recent developments in international cricket suggest a possible shift in the situation. The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently announced 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. In both tournaments, India and Pakistan are slated to face each other – first on October 5 in Colombo and later on June 14 at Edgbaston.

While officials from the BCCI, ACC, and ICC have refrained from public comment, it appears that cricketing ties between the two rivals will continue, at least in global events. These matches are significant revenue generators for international cricket. While India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may not heavily rely on the revenue generated from these high-profile encounters, governing bodies like the ICC, the ACC, and their member boards certainly do.