UAE Likely to Host Asia Cup 2025 as India-Pakistan Tensions Threaten Tournament: Report

The 2025 Asia Cup, slated for September in the T20I format, may be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) despite India’s role as the official host, according to a Forbes report. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan could jeopardize the tournament’s future, with a final decision expected as early as August.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), tasked with hosting the 2025 Asia Cup, has previously indicated that a neutral venue would be used to ensure smooth India-Pakistan matches. The UAE has now emerged as the frontrunner to host the event, provided it proceeds.

The tournament faces significant risks due to strained India-Pakistan relations, exacerbated by the April Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor. The BCCI, which requires government approval to play Pakistan, may opt to withdraw from the event. Such a move could lead to the cancellation of the Asia Cup, as India-Pakistan clashes are the tournament’s biggest draw, driving substantial media revenue.

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) secured the Asia Cup media rights in 2024 for eight years at a cost of $170 million. A potential Indian boycott could result in millions in losses for the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), which organizes the event.

Reports from major Indian media outlets suggest the BCCI is poised to boycott the tournament, particularly as the ACC is currently led by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has refuted these claims, but sentiment leans toward India’s likely withdrawal.

A definitive decision is anticipated next month following the ICC Annual General Meeting in Singapore.