Asia Cup 2025 in September, likely to be played at a neutral venue in T20 format

The 2025 edition of the Asia Cup is likely to be played in September in the Twenty20 format. The 17th edition of the continental tournament is set to take place at a neutral venue, with sources informing India Today that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the frontrunner to host the event. The tournament will serve as a crucial platform for Asian teams to fine-tune their skills ahead of next year's T20 World Cup.

Although India is the designated host for the Asia Cup, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is expected to finalise the UAE as the neutral venue. This decision follows a deal brokered by the International Cricket Council (ICC) between India and Pakistan, ensuring that matches between the two nations in major ICC events are played at neutral venues.

It is evident that the ACC aims to align with the ICC's arrangement to prevent delays and last-minute uncertainties in tournament



scheduling.

India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup in 2023, which was played in the one-day interntional format. Pakistan were forced to agree to a hybrid model, which saw India's matches played in Sri Lanka. In fact, Pakistan hosted only four out of the 13 matches in the continental tournament.

Earlier this year, after a lengthy standoff, the ICC approved a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy after India refused to travel to Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board was initially adamant about not hosting a part of the tournament at a neutral venue. However, all three parties - the ICC, the BCCI and the PCB - agreed to the hybrid model. The ICC also said that Pakistan would not travel to India for major events hosted by India until 2028.

"India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC Events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue," the ICC said.