After weeks of uncertainty and political tension, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has finalised plans for the 2025 Asia Cup.
The tournament will be held in the United Arab Emirates from 5 September, with the final scheduled for 21 September, according to reports from Times of India and other Indian media outlets.
The decision was taken during the ACC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), which was hosted in Dhaka on 24 july. While India, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan did not send representatives in person due to geopolitical concerns, all three boards attended the meeting virtually.
This year’s Asia Cup will feature eight teams, including five full ICC members: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. Three associate nations—United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Hong Kong—will also compete.
Although India was originally set to host the tournament, it has been shifted to the UAE due to the BCCI and PCB’s reluctance to play matches on each other’s soil. The matches are expected to be held across two venues: Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
In previous editions, India and Pakistan were placed in the same group to guarantee a high-stakes encounter. However, the current political climate between the two nations has cast doubt over their potential meeting. The situation deteriorated further after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, followed by India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor. The fallout has significantly impacted cricketing relations.
Earlier this month, the India Champions vs Pakistan Champions fixture in the World Championship of Legends was cancelled following widespread backlash from Indian fans. Prominent former cricketers such as Harbhajan Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Yusuf Pathan, and Irfan Pathan refused to participate in the match, leading organisers to call it off.
The ACC AGM in Dhaka saw a reduced in-person presence due to diplomatic concerns. While Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi remained committed to hosting the meeting in Bangladesh, the BCCI refused to send officials unless the venue was shifted. Ultimately, the Indian board agreed to join virtually, a move that was followed by Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.