India has finalized hosting the Asia Cup 2025 at a neutral ground, removing all obstacles for the high-profile T20 competition. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has narrowed down options to Dubai and Abu Dhabi as probable grounds following discussions at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday.
Sources confirmed that India and Pakistan will probably be in the same group, paving the way for at least two potential conflicts between the long-standing rivals. The tournament, which is set to commence from September 7 to the third or fourth week of the month, would act as a warm-up for the T20 World Cup scheduled next February.
Neutral Ground After Pahalgam Attack
The Asia Cup 2025 was left hanging in balance after a terror attack on Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, earlier this year. Following the attack, the BCCI had indicated that it would not host or play the tournament if it was staged in India. Keeping security issues in mind, the Indian board has now opted to use its hosting privilege by hosting the tournament at a neutral ground.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the front-runners. While three grounds are available as per the contract with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), only two will be utilized for the tournament.
Indo-Pak in Same Group Likely
India and Pakistan are likely to find themselves in the same pool, according to reports. This makes it possible for at least two blockbuster games—one during the group stages and one in the final—if both make it through.
This is what suits the commercial desires of broadcasters and sponsors. Multiple India-Pakistan matches are a guarantee for high TV ratings and huge advertising money.
BCCI-PCB to Finalise Schedule and Venues
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla and ACC President-cum-PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will sit down in the next few days. They will decide on venues and match timings. Both officials will also sit down with sponsors shortly to provide a window for commercial planning and delivery.
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has Asia Cup broadcasting rights under an eight-year deal, said to be worth USD 170 million. A 19-day slot in September had already been booked for the tournament.
India-Bangladesh Tensions Cast a Shadow
The ACC meeting was held in Dhaka, but India attended online. The BCCI had initially declined to attend if the meeting were to be held in Bangladesh due to strained bilateral relationships. Later, Rajeev Shukla attended online.
Tensions have also caused the postponement of the India-Bangladesh bilateral series, which was to take place in August 2025. The series now remains postponed indefinitely.
With the venue problem addressed and senior officials on board, Asia Cup 2025 is back in action. The spotlight is now on logistics, sponsorship, and another potential India-Pakistan clash in the Gulf.
