Is Asia Cup getting scrapped: Uncertainty grows on continental showpiece

Dubai: The Asia Cup 2025 has plunged into deeper uncertainty, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) now reportedly considering a tri-nation series as a contingency plan. This comes after both India and Sri Lanka declined to attend the crucial Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Dhaka scheduled for July 24, citing political concerns amid growing unrest in Bangladesh.

India, the official host of the T20-format continental tournament, is still awaiting clearance from the Indian government — particularly for matches involving Pakistan — following the escalation of tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, casting doubts over India’s participation in a tournament that could feature up to three high-stakes clashes with their arch-rivals.

According to ACC insiders, despite India’s absence, the meeting in Dhaka will proceed as planned. Pakistan and Bangladesh, both set to play a T20I tri-series in Dhaka from July 20—24, are expected to attend in person. Online participation remains an option for member boards, but the absence of two key stakeholders — India and Sri Lanka — raises questions over whether any decisive resolution can be made.

With uncertainty mounting, the BCCI has begun exploring alternative plans for the September window. One option involves hosting a tri-nation series to ensure the Indian team gets competitive match practice ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026. Sri Lanka Cricket has also reportedly offered India a bilateral white-ball series in August after the postponement of India’s scheduled tour to Bangladesh.

“The board wants to avoid a scenario where India is left idle before a major ICC event,” a senior BCCI official told Sports Tak. “The tri-series is a realistic backup if the Asia Cup doesn’t get the green light.”

Meanwhile, the UAE has once again emerged as the frontrunner to host the Asia Cup in full, should the hybrid model be revived. Heavy monsoons in Sri Lanka and logistical concerns in Bangladesh have bolstered the case for the Emirates, replicating the successful neutral-venue format used during the 2023 edition and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

According to the proposed schedule, the Asia Cup is set to start on September 5, with the marquee India vs Pakistan clash initially scheduled for September 7. Further encounters between the two sides could follow in the Super Fours on September 14 and potentially the final on September 21.

Commercial preparations have already begun, and broadcasters are hopeful that a full-scale tournament featuring all six teams — India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the UAE — can still go ahead. However, final confirmation depends on the Indian government’s response to the BCCI’s participation proposal, which was submitted weeks ago.

While BCCI officials have denied any formal withdrawal from the tournament, they admit that options must remain open until political clarity is achieved.

“The proposal for the UAE was on the table even before the Pahalgam incident,” said a board source. “Now, we will go by whatever the government decides.”

The coming weeks will be crucial, with the ACC expected to push for clarity by the end of July. Whether the Asia Cup survives — or makes way for a tri-series alternative — could depend on decisions taken far from the pitch.