New Delhi: In a strategic move to avoid potential travel controversies, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has decided to host the Asia Cup 2025 in a neutral country, despite India being the designated host. This decision comes on the heels of recent tensions between India and Pakistan, which led to India’s matches in the Champions Trophy 2025 being shifted to Dubai. The Asia Cup, scheduled for September in the T20 format, will feature 19 matches and is likely to be held in either Sri Lanka or the UAE.
The tournament will include eight teams: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, Hong Kong, India, and Pakistan. Typically, the Asia Cup is structured into two groups of four teams each, with India and Pakistan often placed in the same group. This setup ensures at least two matches between the two cricketing giants, with a potential third encounter in the final if both teams advance.
The ACC’s decision to use a neutral venue is aimed at preventing disputes over travel restrictions between India and Pakistan. This approach mirrors the hybrid model used in the Champions Trophy 2025, where India played all their matches in Dubai due to security concerns about traveling to Pakistan.
