Asia Cup 2025 in Doubt Amid India-Pakistan Tensions; PCB Plans Backup Tri-Series with Afghanistan and UAE

After ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, the cricketing relationship between the two countries is at its lowest point. In India, there have been several moves to boycott anything linked to Pakistan, including growing calls to stop playing cricket matches between the two nations. Because of this, the Asia Cup — which was set to be held in September this year — now faces uncertainty. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has not yet made a final decision on the tournament, which is supposed to be hosted by India.

Despite the situation, India has not officially pulled out of the Asia Cup 2025. Earlier, some reports suggested that the Indian team might withdraw to cut ties with Pakistan. But BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that no such decision has been made yet.

PCB Planning Tri-Series with Afghanistan and UAE

While the Asia Cup 2025 remains uncertain, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is doing everything it can to prepare for the big tournament. As per CricketPakistan, a T20 tri-series is being planned involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Talks are ongoing between the cricket boards of these countries to make the series happen.

Afghanistan is already scheduled to tour Pakistan in August for a three-match T20I series. Now, the idea is to include the UAE and turn it into a tri-nation event. For those who don’t know, the UAE qualified for the Asia Cup 2025 by winning the 2024 ACC Men’s Premier Cup.

Since Pakistan has refused to travel to India, the Asia Cup could also be moved to the UAE — and if that happens, this tri-series might be held there too. It would be a great chance for Pakistan to gear up, as they haven’t won the Asia Cup since 2012.

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