By Zainab Shafiq 
Speculation around Pakistan out of the Asia Cup 2025 has intensified after Sony Sports dropped a promotional poster for the tournament, conspicuously missing Pakistan’s representation. The visual, featuring India’s Suryakumar Yadav, Bangladesh’s Najmul Shanto, and Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka, has led to public uproar and revived debate over whether Pakistan are out of the Asia Cup 2025 is already a done deal.
Given the India-Pakistan diplomatic and sporting breakdown following their May 2025 border conflict, the omission seems anything but accidental. With cricket diplomacy at an all-time low, fans are bracing for Pakistan to be out of the Asia Cup 2025 to become a reality.
Jay Shah Influence Speaking?
Tensions escalated after reports suggested that India might boycott the Asia Cup, especially since the tournament’s organising body, the Asia Cricket Council (ACC), is headed by Pakistan’s PCB chief, Mohsin Naqvi. Insiders claim India is leveraging its influence within the cricketing fraternity to isolate Pakistan, possibly convincing other teams to support a Pakistan ban from the tournament. Amid this storm, Sony Sports’ poster release has only added fuel to an already raging fire, creating fresh uncertainty around the final list of participants.
The debate was further stirred by earlier reports that India would refuse to play in any tournament under Pakistan’s leadership. Though Forbes had mentioned a possible venue shift to the UAE to accommodate both nations, the absence of Pakistan in the official broadcast promo has fans doubting any reconciliation is near.
Pakistan Out of Asia Cup 2025? ACC Yet to Make a Formal Announcement
Despite the swirling speculation, the ACC has yet to issue a formal statement about the Asia Cup 2025 format, venue, or team list. What’s confirmed, however, is that Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has secured ACC media rights through 2031 for a staggering $170 million, a 70% jump from the last cycle. While SPNI’s acquisition includes marquee India-Pakistan matches, its current poster suggests otherwise.
Manvindar Singh