DUBAI – The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Thursday formally approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and asked it to clarify its position regarding the hosting and participation in the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to take place in September.
The reliable sources said that the ACC wrote to the Indian board, requesting an official response on whether India intended to take part in the continental tournament. The letter noted that the BCCI has yet to confirm its participation or provide any formal communication on the matter.
Meanwhile, Indian media outlets have started speculating dates for potential Pakistan-India matches, despite no official progress being made on the final match schedule.
It has also been reported that the BCCI will seek approval from the Indian government before committing to any fixture involving Pakistan. This development comes amid ongoing political tensions that often influence bilateral cricketing ties between the two nations.
India is slated to host the Asia Cup 2025, marking a significant event in the regional cricket calendar.
However, the uncertainty surrounding India’s participation has raised questions about the tournament’s organization and scheduling.
The ACC is expected to make further decisions once the BCCI responds formally.
Just a day ago, the reports emerged that the high-voltage encounter between India and Pakistan would be played on September 7 this year in Dubai. They suggested that Asia Cup 2025 will go ahead as scheduled in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and will start on either September 4 or 5, with the thrilling Pakistan vs India match to be played on September 7 in Dubai.
The tournament will be played in the T20 format, featuring a group stage followed by the Super Four round. If both teams progress to the Super Four stage, they are likely to meet again on September 14, with a potential third face-off in the final on September 21.
Although India holds the hosting rights for the tournament, it has been shifted to the UAE due to political tensions and security concerns. However, India will retain the official hosting status.
An Indian broadcaster confirmed, “The tournament will take place in September, and our team will participate.”
The reports said that an Indian representative was of the view, “Regardless of strained relations, India has never refused to play Pakistan in ICC events — largely due to the highly lucrative media rights, most of which are held by Indian broadcasters,”.
The last encounter between Pakistan and India took place during the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai. Since 2008, India has refrained from touring Pakistan for various reasons and had also opted to play its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai.
Despite India’s rigid stance, cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the Asia Cup 2025 and the prospect of seeing the two arch-rivals face off once again.
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