Asia Cup 2025:
Dubai, July 26, 2025 — The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has officially declared that the Asia Cup 2025 will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28, ending weeks of speculation and geopolitical tension. The announcement was made jointly by ACC officials and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who hailed the decision as a diplomatic milestone for regional cricket cooperation.
Originally designated to be hosted by India, the tournament’s fate was uncertain amid strained Indo-Pak relations and security concerns following the “Operation Sindoor” retaliation in Kashmir. Yet, after intense deliberations and international pressure, including a notable shift in India’s sports diplomacy led by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the decision was made to relocate the event to a neutral venue.
The UAE, with its modern cricketing infrastructure in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, emerged as the natural choice. The tournament will feature eight teams: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, UAE, and Oman. A total of 19 T20 matches are scheduled to be played, culminating in the grand finale on Sunday, September 28.
The Asia Cup 2025 has been strategically positioned as a key preparatory event for the T20 World Cup, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka in 2026. The possibility of up to three India vs Pakistan clashes — in the group stage, Super Four, and the final — is set to heighten global interest and television viewership.
Behind the scenes, securing India’s participation was a major breakthrough. While bilateral cricket remains frozen due to political tensions, the Indian government’s willingness to participate in multilateral tournaments is seen as part of its broader sporting ambitions, especially as India eyes hosting rights for the 2036 Olympics.
With diplomatic channels now cleared and cricket once again serving as a bridge across political divides, fans can look forward to a thrilling tournament. The complete match schedule is expected to be unveiled later today, promising weeks of high-octane action under the desert skies.
Source: cricbuzz