Asia Cup 2025: Will Asia Cup Played This Year? After IND-PAK-BAN Tension

The 17th edition of Asia Cup 2025 will be played this year in the month of September in India. Eight teams—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Hong Kong. The tournament was originally scheduled to be held in India, but because of political sensitivities, talks have changed to a neutral location, like Sri Lanka or the United Arab Emirates.

Political Tensions Impacting Participation

Recently situation of three countries are:

• The Indian government is reconsidering its involvement in matches featuring Pakistan because of increased security concerns following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India on 22 April 2025. 
• Further complicating regional cricket relations, dangerous remarks made by a retired Bangladeshi army general have also put India's planned tour of Bangladesh in risk.

Will India play in the Asia Cup 2025 after this event?

These events have raised questions about India's ability to play in the Asia Cup, particularly against Pakistan. Any cricket match between India and Pakistan requires the Indian government's assent, which is currently being shown to be reluctant.

India was the defending Champions of Asia Cup 2023

India defeated Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the 2023 Asia Cup final, which took place on September 17 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This victory was India's eighth Asia Cup championship.