The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently awaiting clearance from the Indian government before confirming the team’s participation in the Asia Cup 2025. Notably, the BCCI, the official hosts, is expected to make the final call soon, with the decision hinging on the Government of India.
The Asia Cup 2025 is reportedly set to begin on September 5, but there is uncertainty over India’s participation. India recently engaged in a military conflict in May this year following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. All decisions regarding the tournament depend on India’s participation.
BCCI Awaits Government Approval Ahead of Asia Cup 2025
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the BCCI is expected to announce its decision on India’s participation in the Asia Cup 2025 soon. The tournament is likely to be played in either Sri Lanka or the UAE.
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However, uncertainty remains over whether India will play against Pakistan, especially after recent military tensions between the two nations. The final decision is expected in the coming days and will hinge on the government’s stance regarding any engagement with Pakistan.
“A decision on the Asia Cup is expected in the next couple of days and it depends on the BCCI position on the continental championship in which arch-rivals Pakistan, with whom the country was engaged in military conflict not too long ago, will be involved,” the report read.
ACC Urges BCCI to Clarify Stand on Asia Cup 2025
With less than two months left before the Asian tournament, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), headed by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, urged the BCCI to clarify its stand. The ACC raised concerns that the ongoing silence is disrupting commercial and marketing plans.
“We have been informed that in the absence of this information, their ability to plan effectively, allocate resources, and execute their campaigns is significantly constrained. In addition, to highlighting the challenges being faced by them, the media rights partner has highlighted obligations under the Agreement which commence 60 and 90 days prior to the commencement of the 2025 Tournament.”
“Our sponsorship rights partner, TCM, have outlined the commercial concerns associated, particularly in terms of timelines required for effective monetization and activation planning,” ACC wrote to BCCI.
Asia Cup 2025 Scheduled to Be Played from September 5 to 21
The Asian tournament is reportedly scheduled to be played from September 5 to 21. With limited alternate windows available this year, any cancellation could prove damaging, especially to the Asian Cricket Council, as the tournament is a main source of revenue.
According to The Times of India, the 17-day tournament’s schedule is nearly finalized. India are slated to face Pakistan in a highly anticipated clash on September 7, with a possible second meeting on September 14. The final is expected on September 21.
This year’s Asia Cup will be played in the T20 format, serving as a crucial preparatory event for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which is set to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
However, if the Indian government does not approve participation, the BCCI may explore the possibility of organizing a tri-series in the same window. India’s tour of Bangladesh, including ODIs and T20Is, has already been postponed.
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