The arch-rivals Pakistan and India are set to clash again after their recent encounter in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has reportedly finalised the window for the upcoming Asia Cup.
According to Indian media, the Asia Cup 2025, which is set to be played in T20 format, will be played in September. The highly anticipated continental tournament is set to feature a total of up to 19 matches; however, the venue has not been confirmed yet.
The tournament was originally scheduled to be played in India, but the decision to relocate it to a neutral venue arose from the complex dynamics between India and Pakistan.
The ACC officials are reportedly deliberating between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the BCCI remaining the designated hosts, to avoid any tensions between Pakistan and India.
For the unversed, the Indian government refused to send its cricket team to Pakistan for the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, forcing the apex cricketing body to adopt a hybrid model, with Team India playing their games in Dubai.
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Meanwhile, Pakistan will play their games in Sri Lanka during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, set to be hosted by the BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
Asia Cup 2025 will feature eight teams, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong, besides India and Pakistan.
The eight teams will be divided into two groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super Four stage. The best teams from the Super Four will then compete in the final.
This format guarantees at least two matches between Pakistan and India, with a possibility of a third if both teams qualify for the final.
There are four Asia Cups scheduled in the current cycle, which ends in 2031. After the 2025 edition, which will feature 19 matches, the 2027 edition will take place in Bangladesh and consist of 13 matches in the ODI format.
This will be followed by a T20 format tournament in 2029, hosted by the PCB but played in a neutral country and featuring 19 matches. Finally, the 2031 edition will be held in Sri Lanka in the ODI format, consisting of 13 matches.
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