Asia Cup 2025 Tentatively Scheduled for September Start Amid Easing Tensions

Hopes are rising for the Asia Cup as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) sets its sights on a potential start date in the second week of September. This marks a significant shift from previous uncertainties surrounding the tournament, primarily due to geopolitical tensions.

While final details are still pending, a formal decision is anticipated next week. The ACC is also aiming to release the schedule for the six-team tournament in early July, coinciding with their expected meeting.

If everything proceeds as planned, the ACC is reportedly targeting September 10 as the likely start date for the T20 format tournament. Alongside cricket powerhouses India and Pakistan, the participating nations are expected to include Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the UAE. Promotional activities for the event have already begun.

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

The UAE remains the leading contender to host the tournament, although discussions are ongoing regarding a potential hybrid hosting model. While India is the designated host, the ACC had previously determined that Asia Cup tournaments scheduled to be hosted by either India or Pakistan would be held at a neutral venue, due to the existing circumstances.

The tournament's future was initially clouded by security concerns. These concerns were further amplified by geopolitical events, raising significant doubts about the tournament's viability. Calls for boycotts further strained the situation.

However, recent developments in the global cricket landscape suggest a potential shift in direction. The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently unveiled the 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. Notably, India and Pakistan are slated to compete against each other in both tournaments.

While officials from the BCCI, ACC, and ICC have refrained from making public statements on the matter, it appears that cricketing relations between the two rivals will continue, at least within the context of global events. These matches are critical revenue streams, especially for global cricket. While India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are not heavily dependent on these high-profile encounters, organizations such as the ICC, the ACC, and their member boards rely significantly on the revenue generated.