Mohsin Naqvi, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief, has stated that the 2025 Asia Cup is confirmed. This puts an end to speculations that the competition might be canceled because of the strained relationship between India and Pakistan.
Though India is the host this year, the matches will be played in the UAE from September 9 to 28. India and Pakistan are in the same group and could potentially play each other up to three times within 20 days if they both advance to the final.
The Indian team is expected to be revealed soon. Aakash Chopra, the former Indian batsman, thinks there may be some uncertainty about Jasprit Bumrah’s participation.
Chopra commented on his YouTube channel that Bumrah’s availability is again a question. He thinks that if Bumrah doesn’t play the fifth Test, he should play in the Asia Cup. He also stated that it will be interesting to see what kind of team is selected, but it likely won’t be too different from the previous one.
Chopra also mentioned that Mohammed Shami might not be chosen for the competition due to fitness concerns.
He added that he is sure that Mohammad Shami won’t make the team. Shami was playing to test his fitness and to get ready for the Champions Trophy. Now that time has passed, and if he’s not playing Tests, Chopra doesn’t see him playing T20 cricket right now.
In the Asia Cup, Group A includes India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.
The tournament will begin with a match between Afghanistan and Hong Kong on September 9. India will start their campaign against UAE on September 10. The big match against Pakistan is scheduled for September 14. India’s last group stage match is against Oman on September 19.
Following the group stage, the Super 4 will begin, with the top two teams from each group qualifying. The final game is scheduled for September 28.