The upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting is now firmly in the spotlight as Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief Nazmul Hassan Papon expressed full confidence in 100% member participation — despite rising tensions surrounding the Asia Cup 2025. This year’s tournament will be held in the T20 format, serving as a vital preparation ground for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
However, the big headline? India holds the hosting rights, but Pakistan is adamant on a hybrid model, refusing to play matches on Indian soil due to ongoing political tensions. The BCB hopes to play peacemaker.
📍 What We Know So Far
- Tournament: Asia Cup 2025
- Format: T20
- Host (as per ACC): India
- Start Date (tentative): September–October 2025
- Controversy: Pakistan refuses to play in India; suggests hybrid model
- Expected Resolution Date: After ACC Meeting, July 20–22, 2025
🌐 Why the ACC Meeting Matters More Than Ever
The ACC meeting — scheduled to take place in Dubai — holds monumental importance, not just for resolving the Asia Cup deadlock but for future-proofing Asian cricket. Key topics on the table:
| 🔑 Agenda Item | ⚖️ Impact |
|---|---|
| Asia Cup 2025 Venue & Format | May finalize hybrid hosting plan |
| ACC Women’s Development | Funding new academies across Asia |
| Youth Cricket Calendar | Coordinating with ICC, U-19 leagues |
| Digital & TV Media Rights | Growing demand in UAE, Nepal & USA |
| Bilateral Commitments | Emerging teams to get more fixtures |
⚔️ The India–Pakistan Hosting Dilemma
🇮🇳 India’s Stand:
- India has official hosting rights and plans to hold matches across Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Mohali.
- The BCCI, headed by Jay Shah, prefers a single-country format.
- Cites the 2023 ODI Asia Cup hybrid model as an “unsustainable compromise.”
🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Rebuttal:
Pakistan, led by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, has made it clear:"We will not travel to India. A hybrid model is the only solution."
They propose:
- Group Stage matches in UAE
- Acc wants to shift all matches in UAE or Srilanka because of Pakistan and India issue
🧩 Hybrid Model—The Proposed Fix
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Host 1 | India (Group A, Super Four excluding Pakistan matches) |
| Host 2 | UAE or Oman (Group B and all Pakistan games) |
| Broadcasting | Centralized ACC deal |
| Security | ICC-accredited venues in both zones |
🤝 BCB’s Role as Mediator
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has stepped in as a neutral bridge, trying to ensure neither India nor Pakistan pulls out. BCB President Papon stated:
"There’s no point hosting a tournament if one of the biggest cricketing nations doesn’t show up. We’re working to unite everyone."
Sources suggest that the BCB may even offer to co-host Pakistan's matches if UAE is unavailable, similar to how it offered support in past ICC events.
📰 What the Other Nations Think
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC):
"Hybrid model is costly but acceptable if it saves the tournament."
🇦🇫 Afghanistan:
"We want stability, and we’ll play wherever the ACC decides."
🇳🇵 Nepal:
"We support participation over politics. This is a golden exposure for our players."
📣 Impact on T20 World Cup Preparations
With the Asia Cup set in T20 format, it plays a crucial role in:
- Form testing ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026
- Helping boards finalize team combinations
- Offering players exposure to high-pressure regional derbies
Missing the tournament due to disputes could cost Pakistan or India dearly in terms of momentum and public support.
📺 Where You Can Watch Asia Cup 2025 (T20 Format)
| Country | TV Channels | Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| 🇵🇰 Pakistan | PTV Sports, A Sports | Daraz App, Tamasha |
| 🇮🇳 India | Star Sports | Disney+ Hotstar |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | Gazi TV (GTV), T Sports | Rabbithole BD, Toffee |
| 🇬🇧 UK | Sky Sports Cricket | Sky Go, NOW TV |
| 🇺🇸 USA | Willow TV | ESPN+, Willow App |
| 🌍 Others | ICC.tv | Local broadcasters may vary |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Will Pakistan pull out if the Asia Cup is fully hosted in India?
A: Yes, they have officially stated they won’t travel to India. They insist on a hybrid format.Q2: Has this happened before?
A: Yes. In 2023, the Asia Cup was hosted under a hybrid model with matches split between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.Q3: Who has the final say on hosting?
A: The ACC, headed by Jay Shah (BCCI Secretary), but all members vote.Q4: Can Bangladesh or UAE become hosts for Pakistan matches?
A: Yes. UAE is the first choice; Bangladesh is open to hosting in emergency cases.Q5: Is the Asia Cup 2025 confirmed as a T20 format?
A: Yes, it will be in T20 format as a warm-up for the 2026 T20 World Cup.🎯 Final Thoughts
The Asia Cup 2025 was meant to unite the continent under cricket, but diplomatic stand-offs between India and Pakistan now threaten its unity. Yet, with Bangladesh playing mediator, and the ACC meeting around the corner, there’s hope for resolution.
Whether it’s Delhi or Dubai, fans just want to see Asia’s best teams clash again.