Will India and Pakistan Be in the Same Group for Asia Cup 2025?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India and Pakistan likely grouped together for Asia Cup 2025.
- Event set to take place at neutral venues, likely in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Financial backing from Indian sponsors strengthens tournament viability.
- The tournament serves as preparation for the T20 World Cup in February 2026.
- Significant media rights secured by Sony Pictures Networks India.
New Delhi, July 24 (NationPress) It is anticipated that India and Pakistan will be placed in the same group for the Asia Cup 2025, paving the way for yet another electrifying encounter between these long-standing rivals, according to a report.
The Asia Cup was a significant focus during the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Dhaka on Thursday, where officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) participated virtually.
The BCCI, which possesses the hosting rights for this eight-team tournament, has reportedly consented to hold the event at a neutral venue, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi emerging as leading candidates.
As per a report from India Today, all obstacles have been overcome for this eagerly awaited continental T20 tournament, which faced uncertainty following the terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this year. “An agreement has been established with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for the use of three venues; however, it is expected that only two will be utilized for the Asia Cup,” the report stated.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla and ACC President-cum-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi are scheduled to meet in the upcoming days to finalize the venues and tournament schedule. A tentative period from September 7 to the third or fourth week of September has been suggested, making the Asia Cup an ideal preparatory event for the T20 World Cup in February 2026.
The financial framework of the tournament is significantly backed by Indian sponsors and broadcasters. Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), which acquired the media rights for Asia Cup events in 2024 for USD 170 million over eight years, is expected to gain from at least two confirmed India-Pakistan matches, alongside a potential final between the two teams.
Last week, the BCCI had initially opted to refrain from attending the AGM in Dhaka due to strained bilateral ties with Bangladesh.