Uncertainty Surrounds Asia Cup 2025 Amid Rising Tensions

Asia Cup 2025: A Cloud of Uncertainty

The upcoming Asia Cup 2025 is facing increasing uncertainty. Recent reports suggest that the continental tournament is likely to commence in the first week of September. Following a horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, tensions between India and Pakistan have cast doubt on the tournament's future. In response to the attack, India initiated a military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK).

Tournament Details and Participation

According to a report from a prominent news outlet, the Asia Cup is set to begin on September 5 and will be hosted in the UAE, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) holding the hosting rights. The tournament will span 17 days and feature teams from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and the UAE. The initial schedule indicates that the highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan is slated for September 7. All participating teams are currently in the process of securing approvals from their respective governments.

Format and Expectations

This year's edition will be played in a T20 format, with the final expected to take place on September 21. After the group stage, a Super Four round will follow, where the top two teams will advance to the finals. Earlier this year, amid rising tensions with Pakistan, there were reports suggesting that India might withdraw from the tournament, and the BCCI allegedly informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) of its decision. However, BCCI Secretary Devjeet Saikia has refuted these claims.