India and Pakistan are likely to play in the same group for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. This information has been shared by sources after the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), held on Thursday in Dhaka. Indian cricket board (BCCI) officials joined the meeting virtually.

This year’s Asia Cup faced some delays due to the terror attack that took place in Pahalgam, Jammu, and Kashmir. After the attack, in which tourists lost their lives, the tournament's future was uncertain. But now, sources say all major hurdles have been cleared, and the tournament is back on track.

India proposes Dubai and Abu Dhabi as neutral venues

The BCCI had already stated that India will not host or participate in the tournament if it is held in India after the Pahalgam terror incident. Now, the BCCI has expressed interest in hosting the Asia Cup at a neutral venue. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are being considered as the most likely places.

Although the BCCI has signed an agreement with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) to use three venues in the UAE, only two will likely be used for the Asia Cup matches. The BCCI holds the hosting rights for the tournament, which will feature eight teams.

BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla and ACC President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi are expected to meet soon to confirm the venues and finalise the tournament schedule. According to sources, a window from September 7 to the third or fourth week of the month has been proposed. The Asia Cup will also serve as a preparation tournament for the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled for February 2026.

The BCCI and ACC are also planning to meet sponsors soon to ensure enough time for advertising and commercial arrangements. A major part of the financial support for the Asia Cup comes from Indian sponsors and broadcasters.

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has the media rights for Asia Cup events from 2024 for USD 170 million over eight years. This year, a 19-day window in September has been kept for the tournament. At least two India vs. Pakistan matches are expected, and there is a possibility of the two rivals meeting in the final. This is seen as a big opportunity for broadcasters to earn high advertising revenues.

Last week, the BCCI had told the ACC it would not attend the meeting if it was held in Dhaka because of tensions between India and Bangladesh. But later, the ACC was informed that Rajeev Shukla would participate in the meeting virtually.
Because of this strain in relations, a bilateral series between India and Bangladesh, which was planned for August 2025, has now been postponed indefinitely.

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