The Asia Cup 2025 is in jeopardy, but there is no official confirmation from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Notably, the PCB is reportedly planning a tri-nation series with Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Tensions between India and Pakistan have cast serious doubt over the Asia Cup 2025, set to be played in September. Relations between the two nations are at a low point, with growing public and political sentiment in India calling for a boycott of all engagements involving Pakistan, including cricket.
Pakistan Likely to Play Afghanistan, UAE in T20I Tri-Nation Series
With uncertainty looming over the Asia Cup 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board is making alternate plans. As per a report by CricketPakistan, the PCB is in discussions to organize a tri-nation T20I series featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates.
The planned bilateral series between Pakistan and Afghanistan may be converted into a three-team tournament by including the UAE. Talks between the respective cricket boards are currently ongoing to finalize the plan.
“According to sources, initial talks between the cricket boards of the three countries are underway to finalise the proposed series. The idea is to convert the scheduled bilateral series between Pakistan and Afghanistan into a tri-series by adding UAE to the mix,” the report read.
Asia Cup 2025 in Doubt Amid India-Pakistan Tensions
Afghanistan is scheduled to tour Pakistan in August for a three-match T20I series. the Pakistan Cricket Board is now exploring the possibility of expanding it into a tri-nation tournament.
The Asia Cup 2025, originally planned to take place in India this September, remains uncertain. Should the tournament be relocated to the UAE due to political or logistical issues, the proposed tri-series could also be hosted there to help Pakistan acclimatize to local conditions ahead of the main event.
The PCB remains hopeful that the Asia Cup will proceed as scheduled and is taking steps to ensure the national team is well-prepared. A final decision on the tri-series is expected soon.
UAE Stunned Bangladesh With 2-1 T20I Series Win at Home
The UAE secured a 2-1 T20I series win over Bangladesh and are gaining recognition as an emerging team. Their involvement would not only add variety to the tri-series but also provide Pakistan and Afghanistan with valuable experience in neutral conditions.
Meanwhile, Pakistan completed a 3-0 home T20I sweep against Bangladesh and may travel to Dhaka next month for another series, pending finalization by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
The Salman Agha-led Pakistan squad is scheduled to tour the USA in August for a white-ball series as part of their preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
