By Zainab Shafiq 
As the calendar inches closer to one of Asia’s marquee cricket events, preparations for the Asia Cup 2025 are underway, with dates tentatively set from September 12 to 28. While India remains the official host, it’s now likely that the United Arab Emirates will share hosting duties, especially to accommodate politically sensitive matches, particularly those involving Pakistan.
This hybrid arrangement, a practical workaround that echoes formats used in past tournaments like the Champions Trophy 2025, aims to maintain the integrity of the Asia Cup 2025 without stirring diplomatic controversy. The decision to use the UAE as a neutral venue ensures that iconic rivalries, such as India vs Pakistan, can still play out on the field without being derailed by cross-border tensions.
Poster Sparks Controversy, BCCI Plays it Cool
Recently, the circulation of an Asia Cup 2025 promotional poster showcasing only India and Sri Lanka raised concerns over Pakistan’s exclusion. Speculation ran wild, especially considering the historical reluctance for bilateral cricketing ties between India and Pakistan. However, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia put the rumours to rest, stating there are no plans to boycott and participation depends on government clearance.
“There’s no decision yet from the Indian government, but we’ve not ruled anything out,” a BCCI official clarified, reinforcing the board’s neutral stance on participation. The situation remains fluid, but both cricket boards seem aligned in not escalating matters that could impact their roles in future ICC and ACC events.
The cricketing world is no stranger to hybrid tournaments, especially when diplomacy gets in the way of direct competition. Yet, with both boards having stayed silent when grouped together in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, there’s hope that cricket might yet bridge divides. With the Asia Cup 2025 on the horizon, all eyes will remain on how both cricket boards and their respective governments approach this delicate balancing act.
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