Asia Cup 2025: ACC Targets September Start Date Amid Easing Tensions

The Asia Cup saga may be nearing a resolution. While definitive conclusions remain premature, a palpable sense of optimism now surrounds the continental championship, a significant shift from previous uncertainties fueled by tensions between India and Pakistan.

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

Although formal decisions are pending, indications suggest a resolution could emerge next week. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is reportedly aiming to release the schedule for the six-team tournament in early July, coinciding with a planned meeting.

If plans materialize, the ACC is targeting a launch in the second week of September, potentially on September 10. The T20 format tournament is expected to feature India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the UAE. Promotional activities for the tournament are already underway.

While the UAE remains the leading candidate to host, a hybrid format is also under consideration. While India is the designated host, the ACC previously decided that Asia Cups hosted by either India or Pakistan would be held at a neutral venue.

The tournament's future was clouded by the terror attack in Pahalgam in April. Tensions further escalated following India's Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May, casting doubt on the event. Calls for an Indian boycott of Pakistan in multilateral events also grew. India currently does not participate in bilateral cricket with Pakistan. Discussions regarding a potential Indian boycott of Pakistan in global events were even rumored for the next ICC meeting.

Recent developments in global cricket suggest a possible shift. The ICC recently unveiled schedules for the Women's ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, and the Women's T20 World Cup in England. India and Pakistan are slated to clash in both tournaments, on October 5 in Colombo and June 14 at Edgbaston.

While officials from the BCCI, ACC, and ICC have remained silent, it appears cricketing ties between the rivals will continue, at least in global events. These matches generate significant revenue for global cricket. While the BCCI may not heavily rely on this revenue, governing bodies like the ICC and ACC, along with their member boards, do.