Asia Cup 2025: ACC Aims for September Launch as Optimism Surges Amid Thawing Tensions

The Asia Cup saga might be nearing a resolution. While definitive conclusions remain premature, a palpable sense of optimism now surrounds the continental championship, a stark contrast to previous uncertainties fueled by India-Pakistan tensions.

Indications suggest a formal decision could materialize next week. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is reportedly aiming to release the schedule for the six-team tournament during 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 purportedly targeting a September 10 start date, provided everything progresses as planned. The T20 format tournament will feature India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the UAE. Promotional activities for the event have reportedly already commenced.

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

Uncertainty clouded the tournament following the terror attack in Pahalgam in April. Tensions escalated further after India's Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May, casting doubt on the tournament's future. Calls for an India boycott of Pakistan in multilateral events grew louder. India already refrains from engaging with Pakistan in bilateral cricket. Discussions regarding a potential India boycott of Pakistan in global events were even rumored for the next ICC meeting.

However, recent developments in world cricket suggest a shift in direction. The International Cricket Council (ICC) released schedules for two global events: the Women's ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, and the Women's T20 World Cup in England. India and Pakistan are scheduled to clash in both tournaments, on October 5 in Colombo and June 14 at Edgbaston.

While officials from the BCCI, ACC, or ICC have remained silent publicly, cricketing ties between the arch-rivals appear set to continue, at least in global events. These matches are major revenue streams for world cricket. While India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) aren't necessarily dependent on revenue from these encounters, governing bodies like the ICC, ACC, and their member boards rely heavily on them.