Cricket fans could be in for a treat as India and Pakistan are likely to be drawn into the same group for the Asia Cup 2025, sources revealed. The much-anticipated T20 tournament, which had been in limbo following the terror attack in Pahalgam, is now back on track with major decisions falling into place.
At the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) Annual General Meeting held in Dhaka on Thursday, Indian cricket board officials attended virtually to discuss the tournament’s roadmap. With security concerns still top of mind, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has offered to host the event at a neutral venue, zeroing in on Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
While an agreement has already been signed with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for the use of three stadiums, officials have indicated that only two venues will likely be used for the Asia Cup.
BCCI Retains Hosting Rights Amid Security Concerns
Despite holding the official hosting rights for the eight-team tournament, the BCCI had earlier decided not to host or participate in the event in India due to security fears following the Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of several tourists.
However, with neutral venues in play and security arrangements being ironed out, the BCCI is actively moving forward. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla and ACC President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi are set to meet soon to finalise venues and the tournament schedule, according to India Today sources.
A tentative window from September 7 to the third or fourth week of the month has been proposed. The Asia Cup will also serve as a crucial warm-up tournament ahead of the T20 World Cup in February 2026.
Commercial Stakes and High-Octane Indo-Pak Fixtures
Commercially, the stakes are high. The tournament is heavily backed by Indian sponsors and broadcasters, including Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), which secured media rights to Asia Cup events in 2024 in a blockbuster deal reportedly worth USD 170 million over eight years.
With at least two India-Pakistan matches on the cards — plus a potential final clash between the arch-rivals — the Asia Cup is shaping up to be a major draw for advertisers and broadcasters alike.
Bilateral Strains Loom Over Regional Diplomacy
Interestingly, the BCCI had earlier expressed reluctance to attend the Dhaka meeting due to ongoing diplomatic strains with Bangladesh. A scheduled India-Bangladesh bilateral series in August 2025 has already been postponed indefinitely. However, the board later confirmed that Rajeev Shukla would attend the AGM virtually, paving the way for key Asia Cup decisions.
What’s Next?
As officials from India and Pakistan prepare to meet and finalise tournament logistics, fans can look forward to a thrilling edition of the Asia Cup 2025, likely packed with high-stakes encounters and major narratives — especially if India and Pakistan clash more than once.
