The Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in India in September. The terrorist attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent military conflict between India and Pakistan have complicated the situation. The Asia Cup is uncertain due to the political heat in the subcontinent. Although the competition is taking place, there are many doubts about Pakistan’s participation. A poster posted on social media by the tournament’s broadcaster has increased speculation.
The concerned television channel has already started promoting the Asia Cup. One of their posts has created a stir in the Pakistani cricket community. A controversy has arisen. The captains of India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are seen on the poster of the broadcasting company.
However, there is no place for the Pakistan captain. So, are plans to organize the Asia Cup without Pakistan? New speculation has started. Asia Cup is a competition of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is now the president of the ACC. Questions have also been raised about how the competition was planned without him.
The Asia Cup was originally planned to be held in the T20 format. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan were supposed to play as Test-playing nations. In addition, Hong Kong, Oman and the United Arab Emirates were competing countries. Although the competition was planned for eight teams, the poster of the broadcasting channel only shows the captains of three countries. So, is India planning to organize a tri-nation series instead of the Asia Cup? The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not made any announcement. None of the officials have even given any indication. Hence, the post has created a lot of surprise.
The poster features Suryakumar Yadav as India’s captain. It also features Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka and Bangladesh’s Nazmul Hossain Shanto. Although Shanto is no longer the captain of Bangladesh’s T20 team. The Bangladesh Cricket Board replaced Shanto in early May and made Liton Das the captain of the T20 team. On the other hand, a media outlet called ‘Pakistan Observer’ wrote in its report that the 2025 Asia Cup will start on September 12. The final on September 28. The competition will be held in the Emirates.
Although there is much speculation surrounding the next Asia Cup, nothing has been officially announced. ACC sources said that discussions are underway with BCCI and PCB officials regarding the Asia Cup. No decision has been made yet. If a solution is reached, it will be announced. In the current situation, no country is willing to play in another country.
FAQ
Why is the Asia Cup in doubt?
The Asia Cup is uncertain due to rising political and diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, which may affect travel, participation, and hosting agreements.
What kind of tensions are affecting India and Pakistan?
The tensions are mostly political and diplomatic, and they often spill over into sports, especially cricket, where bilateral series and tournament participation get affected.
Has this situation affected cricket tournaments before?
Yes, India and Pakistan have avoided playing bilateral series for years. Political issues have led to venue changes, boycotts, and last-minute schedule revisions in past tournaments.
Who is supposed to host the Asia Cup this year?
Pakistan was initially scheduled to host the tournament, but India’s unwillingness to travel there has created complications regarding the venue and format.
What is the hybrid model and how does it relate to this?
The hybrid model allows some matches to be played in Pakistan and others in a neutral venue. This was proposed as a compromise to allow both teams to participate.
