DUBAI: The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has given clearance to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), allowing the Indian cricket team to participate in the Asia Cup 2025 and play matches against Pakistan.
The tournament is scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates from 9 to 28 September.
According to Indian media reports, an official schedule of the tournament is likely to be released within the next 48 hours.
The Asia Cup will feature a group stage followed by a Super Four round, with eight teams set to compete. These include Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.
Indian media reported, citing sources familiar with the development, that recent differences between India, Pakistan and Bangladesh over scheduling and venues have now been resolved amicably.
“Major obstacles to the tournament plan have been removed,” an Indian media outlet reported, citing unnamed officials.
The UAE has been confirmed as the host country, with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) officially announcing the tournament dates last week.
In a post on X, ACC President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi wrote: “I am delighted to confirm the dates for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 in UAE. The prestigious tournament will take place from 9th to 28th September. We look forward to a spectacular display of cricket! Detailed schedule will be out soon.”
Naqvi further stated, “We are looking forward to witnessing some great cricket in the Asia Cup,” emphasising that preparations are in full swing and the tournament promises high-quality competition.
Earlier, on 24 July, the ACC held its Annual General Meeting in Dhaka, chaired by Naqvi. Representatives from 25 member countries participated, either in person or virtually.
Following the meeting, Naqvi told reporters that discussions with India regarding the tournament schedule were ongoing and that he hoped for a final announcement soon.
“The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, and all member countries agreed to keep cricket separate from politics,” Naqvi said. “We have all agreed to work in unity for the promotion of cricket in Asia.”
The Asia Cup 2025 will be played in the T20 format, in line with preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled for next year.
The five full ACC members — Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan — qualified automatically, while the UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong secured their spots through the ACC Men’s Premier Cup.
