Asia Cup 2025: ACC Targets September Start Date Amid Easing India-Pakistan Tensions

Hopes are rising for the Asia Cup as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) aims to kick off the tournament in the second week of September. This marks a shift from previous uncertainties surrounding the event, which were fueled by tensions between India and Pakistan.

While official confirmations are still pending, sources suggest a formal decision could be reached next week. The ACC is also planning to announce the schedule for the six-team tournament in early July, coinciding with its expected convention.

If everything proceeds as planned, the ACC is reportedly aiming for a September 10 start date for the T20 format tournament. Alongside cricket powerhouses India and Pakistan, the participating nations will include Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the UAE. Promotional activities for the tournament 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 Asia Cup, although a hybrid format is also under consideration. While India is the designated host, the ACC had previously decided that when India or Pakistan are scheduled to host, the tournament would be held at a neutral venue.

The tournament faced uncertainty following the terror attack in Pahalgam in April. Tensions further escalated after India launched Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May, casting doubt over the tournament's future. There were also increasing calls within India to boycott Pakistan in multilateral events, as the two nations do not engage 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 international cricket suggest a potential shift in this situation. The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently released 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. In both tournaments, India and Pakistan are slated to compete against each other, first on October 5 in Colombo and then on June 14 at Edgbaston.

While officials from the BCCI, ACC, and ICC have remained silent on the matter, it appears that cricketing relations between the two rival nations will continue, at least in global events. These matches are significant revenue generators for global cricket, benefiting the ICC, the ACC, and their member boards.