Mumbai: The Asia Cup 2025, set to ignite cricketing passions from September 9 to 29, will unfold in the UAE’s iconic stadiums in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, despite the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) holding the official hosting rights. The shift to a neutral venue, driven by India’s reluctance to engage in bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan, ensures that the tournament, featuring eight teams including the arch-rivals, proceeds smoothly.
Why UAE, Not India?
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) awarded the hosting rights to the BCCI, but geopolitical considerations led to the decision to stage the 17th edition of the Asia Cup in the UAE. India’s sports ministry policy, announced on August 20, prohibits bilateral contests with Pakistan, prompting the BCCI to opt for neutral venues. This mirrors the hybrid model of the 2023 Asia Cup, hosted across Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with their state-of-the-art facilities, will provide the perfect backdrop for high-stakes clashes, including the India-Pakistan encounter on September 14.
India’s Rare Hosting Record
In the Asia Cup’s 41-year history, India has hosted the tournament just once, in 1990-91, when it also clinched the title. Despite dominating the competition with eight championships (1984, 1988, 1990-91, 1995, 2010, 2016, 2018, and 2023), India’s lone hosting stint remains an anomaly, given its cricketing prowess and infrastructure. The 2025 edition marks another missed opportunity for Indian fans to witness the tournament at home.
What To Expect In 2025
The T20-format tournament will see India, the defending champions, vying for a record-extending ninth title. With eight teams, including Pakistan, UAE, and Oman in Group A, the stage is set for intense battles. The India-Pakistan match, a highlight of the tournament, is expected to draw millions of viewers globally, underscoring the event’s commercial and emotional significance.
As the UAE prepares to host, the BCCI’s decision ensures that cricket triumphs over off-field challenges, promising fans a spectacle filled with rivalries and record-breaking aspirations.