India and Pakistan will be unable to host the Asia Cup until 2031. According to the sources, India and Pakistan may face each other up to three more times this year. UAE being the probable spot as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has tentatively scheduled the Asia Cup for September.
The tournament will follow the T20 format. It will feature 19 matches, and is expected to occur between the second and fourth weeks of September.
Venue Confirmation For The Matches
Although India was originally designated to host the tournament. Political tensions between the two cricketing rivals have compelled the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to select a neutral venue.
The final location remains undecided, but authorities are considering Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as top options. Significantly, despite the venue change, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will remain the host association.
A series of statements outline this policy. The decision seeks to prevent controversies, as India and Pakistan have repeatedly declined to visit each other’s countries. Moreover, a comparable scenario occurred during the ongoing Champions Trophy. The Indian team was permitted to compete in Dubai under a hybrid model.
Further Arrangements of Matches
The PCB is further requesting similar arrangements for next year’s T20 World Cup. It will be co-hosted by the BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). In addition, September’s weather conditions may present challenges for cricket. Since the tournament will follow the shorter T20 format, matches can be scheduled during the cooler evening hours.
Eight teams, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, Hong Kong, India, and Pakistan, will compete in the championship. Notably, Nepal, an emerging associate nation from the subcontinent, will not be part of this edition. Although Nepal participated in the 2023 Asia Cup, it did not qualify for this edition.
The Potential Clashes Between India and Pakistan
The teams will split into two groups. Once again, India and Pakistan will be placed in the same group. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stage, predicting another India-Pakistan clash. If both teams make it to the final, fans could witness three thrilling encounters. Making this tournament a true spectacle for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
It is to be noted, that the 2029 edition, to be played in the T20 format (19 matches), will be officially hosted by the PCB. It will be staged in a neutral venue. Lastly, Sri Lanka or UAE will host the 2031 edition in the ODI format (13 matches).
The Way Forward
The ongoing Asia Cup features four editions. These four editions are to span until 2031. After the 2025 tournament (19 matches), Bangladesh will host the 2027 edition in the ODI format (13 matches). The format ensures two India-Pakistan clashes. One in the group stage and another in the Super Four. Furthermore, a potential third showdown could take place in the final.