The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) agreed to host all games at the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 at neutral venues. This decision comes right after a high-stakes meeting involving 25 members of the Asia Cricket Council (ACC).
Uncertainty over the commencement of this tournament was at its highest level in recent months when tensions brewed involving India and Pakistan appeared to stall preparations. However, recent developments after the ACC Annual General Meeting (AGM) suggests that plans are underway to host the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 outside India.
UAE Set to Make a Hosting Return to Asia Cup After Long Absence
The BCCI agreement during the recent meeting has birthed a plan to schedule all games across venues in the UAE. Current reports claim cities in the Emirates like Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Dubai will be choice staging venues for the tournament. Fans are in for a treat in the UAE’s state-of-the-art hosting infrastructure after an 8-year absence from the competition.
Venues in the UAE will host another Asia Cup for the first time since 2018 and grant fans an untethered spectacle in limited-overs cricket.
What Triggered the Agreement to Host Asia Cup Matches at a Neutral Venue?
A terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) halted plans for the Asia Cup 2025 earlier in the year. India immediately withdrew from hosting the tournament citing security concerns. India’s resolution forced the ACC into emergency deliberations that now lead to a neutral venue option.
India-Pakistan Derby Set to Happen At Least Once in Upcoming Asia Cup 2025
Inside sources claim that the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan derby will take place during the early stages of the next Asia Cup. India and Pakistan are set to be in the same group during this high-stakes regional competition. Both teams progressing to the knockouts could see fans get another treat to the perennially-charged fixture.
Sources Reportedly Confirm Agreements after High-Level ACC AGM
Inside sources claim the BCCI will announce the tournament’s schedule shortly. India remains the host of this competition and retain specific rights concerning scheduling, logistics, and other activities:
“Being the designated hosts, the BCCI is likely to announce the schedule of the tournament in the next few days,” the source said.
BCCI seeking permission to play Pakistan in Asia Cup
Another source suggested that the BCCI may require approval from India’s government to allow its side face Pakistan during the Asia Cup:
“The BCCI is in touch with the Indian government for permission to play Pakistan in the Asia Cup,” the insider said. Information from this source aligns with reports that claim India’s government may block their team from playing against Pakistan in future competitions after the Pahalgam terror incident.
BCCI signed deal with Emirates Cricket Board for venues
Inside sources suggest that the BCCI has signed a deal with the ECB for venues to host the next Asia Cup. The source commented further, stating that three venues will be chosen, but just two will host Asia Cup 2025 matches:
“The BCCI has signed a deal with the Emirates Cricket Board for three venues, but only two will be used for the Asia Cup,” the source added.
Budgets for all ACC tournaments passed during AGM
Another insider claims the ACC passed seven budgets in total to cover expenditure for all regional tournaments scheduled for this calendar year. The insider claims more deliberations will go on as the regional cricket body aims to navigate a busy season of cricket across levels and formats:
“The budget of the Asia Cup, as well as six other ACC tournaments this year, was passed in the AGM today. The election was deferred, while the AGM was adjourned. It will be continued at a later date,” the source claimed.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chair Speaks on New Asia Cup Hosting Agreement
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chair Mohsin Naqvi claims the Asia Cup schedule will be announced shortly after deliberations with the BCCI:
“That (the schedule) will also be announced soon. We are in consultation with the BCCI and hopefully we will resolve it very soon. The BCCI is in discussion with a few event partners and they have told us they will announce the schedule soon,” Mr. Naqvi said.
The PCB chair added that all ACC member nations were at the AGM, and India’s BCCI is expected to announce schedules for the next Asia Cup shortly:
“The meeting was attended by all 25 members. The BCCI will inform us about the Asia Cup in a few days,” the PCB chair added.
