The Asia Cup 2025 is likely to commence around September 10, setting the stage for a potential India-Pakistan showdown. The tournament faced uncertainty following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which strained relations between India and Pakistan. Calls for India to boycott matches against Pakistan in ACC and ICC events arose, casting doubt on the tournament's future.

However, recent reports suggest that the path for the Asia Cup 2025 has been eased, with organizers optimistic about proceeding in September. A formal decision is expected soon, with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) planning to release the schedule for the six-team tournament in early July. The tournament will be played in the T20 format.

If all goes as planned, the Asia Cup 2025 will feature India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the UAE. The UAE is currently the frontrunner to host the tournament. There are ongoing discussions about adopting a hybrid model for the Asia Cup. While India is the designated host, the ACC had previously decided that Asia Cup matches between India and Pakistan would be held at a neutral venue. This follows a precedent set during past events, such as the Champions Trophy 2025, where India's matches were played in Dubai when Pakistan was the host.

Earlier reports in May suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) might withdraw from the Asia Cup 2025. However, the BCCI refuted these claims. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed reports of India boycotting the event, affirming that the board is awaiting approval from the Indian government regarding their participation. A BCCI official stated that there is no discussion or thought about boycotting matches and that they will continue to play Pakistan in ICC events unless the government directs otherwise.

The agreement between the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) limits their bilateral encounters to only neutral ICC or ACC tournaments, ensuring that a potential India vs. Pakistan clash will not be held on Indian soil. Despite the logistical details, India's confirmed participation remains the biggest question.

Interestingly, neither the BCCI nor the PCB objected when the International Cricket Council (ICC) grouped India and Pakistan together for the upcoming Women's ODI World Cup 2025, indicating a potential thaw in cricketing relations. Both boards are believed to be cautious about the potential repercussions of a boycott, as it could affect their standing and participation in future ICC or Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events.

While some reports suggest the tournament might be held from September 12-28, other sources point to a September 10 start date. The tournament is expected to be played in a hybrid model with the UAE as a likely neutral venue for matches involving Pakistan.