Key Points
- The Asia Cup, scheduled for September 2025 in India, is on hold due to escalating India-Pakistan tensions.
- Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing a Plan B: a triangular series with Afghanistan and UAE.
- PCB is in advanced talks with both cricket boards to organize the series in August, possibly in Dubai or Pakistan.
- Afghanistan’s scheduled tour of Pakistan may be replaced by the tri-series if the Asia Cup is canceled or postponed.
- ACC President and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi awaits BCCI’s confirmation on hosting the Asia Cup; an ACC meeting will decide the tournament’s fate.
Karachi: of the 2025 Asia Cup hangs in the balance after a fresh surge in diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, casting doubt over the tournament’s scheduled September start in India. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), unwilling to let its players lose out on crucial match practice, has swiftly moved to devise a backup plan.
Asia Cup Unlikely in September, PCB Moves to Plan B
According to sources within the PCB, the Asia Cup’s future is uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to confirm its willingness to host the tournament. Under the hybrid hosting model agreed earlier this year, Pakistan was not expected to travel to India, with matches involving Pakistan set to be played at a neutral venue. However, with relations between the two cricketing giants deteriorating, even this compromise now appears unworkable.
A senior PCB official revealed, “Given the current situation, it’s unlikely the Asia Cup will be held in India in September. We are therefore exploring alternative options to ensure our team gets competitive exposure.”
Triangular Series With Afghanistan and UAE on the Cards
In anticipation of a possible cancellation or postponement, the PCB has initiated talks with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and Emirates Cricket Board to organize a triangular series. Afghanistan is already scheduled to tour Pakistan in August for a limited-overs series. If the Asia Cup is called off, this bilateral series could be expanded into a tri-nation tournament, either hosted in Pakistan or moved to Dubai, depending on logistical and security considerations.
The PCB’s Plan B would see Pakistan, Afghanistan, and UAE compete in a round-robin format, offering all teams valuable match experience during the Asia Cup window.
ACC President Mohsin Naqvi Awaits Decision
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the current president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), has indicated that a final decision will be made soon. “The ACC will convene a meeting to discuss the Asia Cup’s future. We are waiting for clarity from the Indian board regarding their hosting plans,” Naqvi said.
The uncertainty has left fans and players in limbo, with the possibility of the Asia Cup shifting to a neutral venue or being replaced entirely by the proposed tri-series.
What’s Next?
- ACC Meeting: A decision on the Asia Cup’s fate is expected after the upcoming ACC meeting.
- Possible Tri-Series: If the Asia Cup is canceled, PCB aims to finalize arrangements with Afghanistan and UAE for August.
- Venue: Dubai is the preferred neutral location, but hosting in Pakistan remains an option if security and logistics permit.
The Asia Cup’s future is clouded by political tensions, but the PCB is determined to keep its team active on the international stage. Whether through the Asia Cup or a new tri-series, cricket fans can expect high-stakes action in August and September—though the venue and format remain uncertain.
