The United Arab Emirates is likely to be a site for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.
While India was given hosting rights for the multi-nation tournament, UAE has moved at the forefront of the competition due to increasing tension between India and Pakistan.
Tension between India and Pakistan
After Pakistan -backed militants, the two countries already worsened, a terrorist attack in Pahgam, killing 26 people. This eventually led to a military performance among the nuclear-cosmetics rivals. India and Pakistan were on the verge of war before the ceasefire was called. However, stress between hardcore rivals is high.
Among all these, the future of Asia Cup 2025 looks really foggy. The BCCI follows the government’s instructions to play against Pakistan and if they are not allowed to play the Asia Cup this year, it will not be surprising.
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According to a report by the Indian Express, BCCI is likely to be pulled out of the Asia Cup 2025 to separate Pakistan cricket. India has not played any bilateral series against Pakistan from the 2012/13 season and the way things are coming up at this time, if they boycott the Asia Cup then it will not be surprising.
Asia Cup 2025 is likely to move ahead
According to a Forbes report, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is optimistic that the Asia Cup will move 2025 ahead.
“Things are cool between stress and have a lot to play outside, but still have time,” An official close to the discussion told The News outlet.
The ICC annual general meeting is scheduled to be held in Singapore next month and a final decision on the matter is expected. The report further states that even though India is host, the tournament is likely to be played in UAE if it moves forward. Sri Lanka is also an option.
A big shock for ACC if India decides to pull out
On the other hand, if India decides to get out of the tournament, it will be a major setback for cricket in the region, especially small countries. Those nations rely on the money arising out of the Marki Games between India and Pakistan.
The deal of media rights for the Asia Cup is reportedly $ 170 million and is divided between 27 members of ACC.
The final edition of the Asia Cup was played in 2023. While Pakistan had hosting rights, ACC eventually came up with a hybrid model and India played all its games in Sri Lanka. India defeated Sri Lanka in the final to win the tournament and defended the Asia Cup Champion.
